Weekly Podcast On Marketing + Business Advice
Marketing Mistakes
(+ How To Avoid Them)
Hi – I’m Stacy Jones, the CEO and founder of Hollywood Branded, a Los Angeles branded pop culture partnerships agency specializing in product placement, celebrity and influencer marketing. With over 300 episodes recorded over the last 6 years, our podcast series is positioned for entrepreneurs, brand marketers and agencies to learn best practices from, and better ways to run companies. Learn both the ‘magic sauce’ to finding success, and the mistakes that should be avoided along the way.
Join me as I interview experts across a wide range of how-to-do business, sales and marketing topics, and share insights learned from my own past 25 years of experience.

I truly understand as an agency owner and brand marketer that it is impossible to be well-versed on every topic and strategy that can improve bottom line results. My goal is to help you avoid making costly mistakes of time, energy or money along the pathway to bettering your own brand – whether you are doing a DIY approach or hiring an expert to help. I hope you enjoy the podcast!
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EP291: 10 Proven Tips To Grow Your Social Media (That Actually Work) With Stacy Jones | Hollywood Branded
In this episode, Stacy teaches us 10 ways that brands can create more successful social media strategies
EP290: Personal Branding 101 With Leonard Kim | Influence Tree
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Leonard Kim, who is the Managing Partner of Influence Tree, a full stack digital marketing firm. He is also an author, a speaker, as well as a personal branding expert and he has won numerous awards for his work. The two discuss Leonard’s inspirational road to success, and how he went from living on his grandmother’s couch, to becoming the powerful and prosperous expert he is today. Leonard shares why he believes there’s a “step-by-step” process in building a personal brand. The two also touch on the importance of taking a break. while maintaining your drive to improve and do better.
EP289: Attracting More Visitors To Your Site With Andy Crestodina | Orbit Media
In today’s episode, Stacy sits down with Andy Crestodina, who is the co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Orbit Media, an award winning digital agency in Chicago. Over the past 20 years, Andy has provided digital marketing advice to 1000+ businesses. The two chat about visitor psychology, as well as the difference between generating a website for a consumer, versus a business. Andy also shares some of the big mistakes of website building—a lack of data, an excess of stock photos, a “thank you” page, and many more.
EP288: The Key To Building A Major Brand With Doug Zarkin | Pearle Vision
In today’s episode, Stacy sits down with Doug Zarkin, who is the VP and CMO of Pearle Vision, which is one of the largest optical retailers in North America. Doug has a wealth of experience in marketing; he has five North American Effie Awards, a Clio Award, and has been twice recognized as Innovative Marketer of the Year by the CMO Club. Here, the two chat about the 80-20 rule, and the importance of celebrating your progress. They also discuss why passion is necessary in building a successful team. Doug also shares his take on the metaverse, and the downfalls of partnering with a celebrity who lacks authenticity and enthusiasm for your brand.
EP287: Increasing Your Conversion Campaigns With Meg Sakakibara | Unbounce
In today's episode, Stacy sits down with Meg Sakakibara, who is the Vice President of Marketing an Unbounce, a platform that helps brands increase their conversion campaigns through landing pages and leveraging the power of AI. Meg has been a B2B marketing professional in the technology community for 14 years, spanning both enterprise software and SMB SaaS.
The two chat about all the ways that you can create a successful conversion campaign, They discuss the importance of understanding your customer, your core messaging, and the conversions that actually matter—is it a lead, or a click-through?
EP285: Podcast Marketing 101 With Tom Schwab | Interview Valet
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Tom Schwab, who is the CEO of Interview Valet, an inbound marketing, media agency that leverages podcast interviews to drive sales. With his “white glove” service, he helps speakers, brands, authors, and more, increase their exposure, and gain leads by turning them into podcast pros.
The two discuss why it’s important not to approach marketing with the intention of making it perfect—especially in regards to podcasting and thought leadership. Tom also shares why interviews should be organic. He also discusses why it’s more important to market your interviews more, than book more interviews.
EP284: Hidden Costs of Social Influencer Marketing – The Real Conversation With Stacy Jones | Hollywood Branded
In this episode, Stacy discusses the risks and potential benefits of social influencer marketing. She also offers practical tips on how to manage your boss's expectations when working with a client who may have unrealistic goals for their campaign objectives in mind.
EP283: The Importance Of Audience Research With Rand Fishkin | SparkToro
In today’s episode, Stacy sits down with Rand Fishkin, who is the Co-founder and CEO of SparkToro, a Seattle-based tech start-up that provides tools for audience intelligence and market research.
EP282: The Impact of Social Media Influencers on Brands With Stacy Jones | Hollywood Branded
In this episode, Stacy shares the reasons why entertainment marketing is a long game as opposed to a short one and the benefits of having just a little patience as a brand marketer to build this marketing practice into one that has high payoffs.
EP281: Why Entertainment Marketing Is A Long Game With Stacy Jones | Hollywood Branded
In this episode, Stacy shares the reasons why entertainment marketing is a long game as opposed to a short one and the benefits of having just a little patience as a brand marketer to build this marketing practice into one that has high payoffs.
EP280: How To Find The Right Celerity Social Influencer To Help Your Brand Exposure Grow With Stacy Jones | Hollywood Branded
In this episode, Stacy shares tips on how to choose the right celebrity social influencer for your brand.
EP279: Creating And Selling An Awesome Online Course With Peter Erik Neeyvoll and Maria Rigger | AweSM Sales & Marketing
In today’s episode, Stacy sits down with Peter Erik Neeyvoll and Maria Rigger, who are the co-founders of AweSM Sales & Marketing, a company that specializes in helping entrepreneurs build successful online courses. Here, they discuss why it’s important to find your niche, and create a marketing strategy, before you produce your online course. They also discuss the importance of keeping in mind your big “why” and the reasoning behind their philosophy of “just do it—even if you’re not ready yet.”
EP278: The Power Of Journalism In Branded Content With Ben Worthen | Message Lab
In today’s episode, Stacy sits down with Ben Worthen, who is the CEO of Message Lab, an award-winning agency that helps organizations get results by bringing stories to life, through leveraging journalism, data, and design. The two discuss Ben’s experience in journalism, and how it has impacted his approach to marketing and creating content. Ben also shares why, he believes, it’s important that each piece of content has a job and adds value. They also chat about ways in which brand owners and agencies can create a culture where their team members create and share company content. The two also chat about leveraging SEO and social targeting to create ROI.
EP277: Increasing Your Sales And Establishing Systems With Donnie Boivin | Badass Business Summit
In today’s episode, Stacy sits down with Donnie Boivin, the CEO and Founder of the Success Champion family of companies. He is also the founder of the Badass Business Summit, and Events with an Edge. The two discuss Donnie’s extensive experience in sales and how his Success Champion companies came to be. He also shares the Success Champion mindset, and why business owners should incorporate it into their professional lives. Donnie shares why he believes that you should find your niche and pick clients that you can do cocktails with. They also discuss the importance of establishing systems and processes (and why you should be open to adjusting them, as well.)
EP276: How To Leverage LinkedIn With Mandy McEwen | Mod Girl Marketing And Luminetics
In today’s episode, Stacy sits down with Mandy McEwen, who is the Founder and CEO of Mod Girl Marketing and Luminetics. The two chat about the ways that marketers, agencies, and brand owners can better leverage LinkedIn, and tap into the power of humanized content marketing. Mandy also discusses the dangers of automation as well as the importance of personalized messaging and content. They also share why businesses should know how to repurpose materials to post on their socials, and the importance of “mixing-it-up.”
EP275: Marketing Yourself As A Student Athlete With Alex Sinatra | Your Potential For Everything
In today’s episode, Stacy sits down with Alex Sinatra, who is the CEO and Founder of Your Potential For Everything, a strategic sports consulting business that helps women and minorities grow in the sports and esports industry. The two touch on Alex’s background in marketing, journalism, sports, and law, and discuss the ways in which student-athletes can monetize their name and likeness.
Alex shares what athletes should be way of when signing contracts for brand partnerships, as well as the importance of viewing athletes as a person, and understanding them outside of their sport. They also discuss the differences, and similarities, between influencers and athletes.
EP 274: How To Run A Successful Product Placement Campaign In Just 3 Steps
In today’s episode, Stacy shares 3 important steps in planning a product placement strategy for your brand, and how they can help you achieve desired results. She also discusses the importance of knowing your key demographic, and understanding how you do, and do not, want your brand to be portrayed. She also touches on the importance of taking immediate action in order to secure your partnership.
EP273: Why Your Business Needs A Fractional CMO With Amanda Rabideau | Arch Collective
In today's episode, Stacy sits down with Amanda Rabideau, who is the CEO of Arch Collective, a company that takes on a unique approach to marketing for post-A-series, B2B tech start ups. The two discuss why businesses should consider fractional CMO's and freelancers, as well as the benefits of hiring part-time employees. Amanda also shares her 3 step process for taking on clients, and why she favors working for companies that are specifically, post-A-series. She also provides tips on what businesses can do to make their freelance employees feel included in company culture.
EP272: How Service-Centric Businesses Can Leverage Digital Marketing With Michael Buzinski | Buzzworthy Integrated Marketing
In today’s episode, Stacy sits down with Michael Buzinski, who is the CMO of Buzzworthy Integrated Marketing, and the author of the best-selling book The Rule of 26. The two discuss the difference between DIY-ers and buyers, as well as the necessary connection between authenticity and marketing. Michael also gives his insights on using call-to-actions, and designing websites. In addition, he also shares why he believes that recognizing your competitive advantage will allow your businesses to better connect with its perfect client. Stacy and Michael also touch on the difference between serviced-based businesses and service-centric businesses.
EP271: Amp Up Your Personal Branding: Tips For Monetizing Your Social Media With Dre Fox | Time Of Dre Media
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Dre Fox, who is a social media coach, blogger, speaker, and the CEO of TimeOfDre Media, a media consulting firm that helps women monetize their message through online platforms. The two discuss how to profit off your socials, and build a brand for you, or your business. They touch on key differences between marketing yourself and marketing your brand, as well as the failure that (sometimes) follows from imitating others’ success. Dre shares why it is important to know your ideal customer—or follower, and master one social media platform, at time. They also talk about the importance of adopting a message that is real and unapologetic.
EP270: The Power of Digital Metrics and Web Design with Spencer Brooks | Brooks Digital
In today’s episode, Stacy sits down with Spencer Brooks, who is the Founder and Principal of Brooks Digital, a digital firm that helps health nonprofits improve their online presence. The two discuss the importance of finding your niche, building a great website, and discovering the digital metrics that actually matter. Spencer also shares his “agile” project management philosophy, and why be believes that copying your competitor can stifle your creativity.
EP269: Creating An Engaging Video Campaign With Guy Bauer | Umault
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Guy Bauer, who is the Founder and Creative Director of Umault, a video marketing agency that helps B2B businesses create content. Guy shares the steps one needs to go through in strategizing an ad, and he talks about the importance of making a decision based on effectiveness, and not time. In addition, he discusses what clients need to do in order to make the production process a bit easier. The two also discuss how to steer away from the “corporate video” and create an engaging video campaign.
EP 268: Turning Your Website And Socials Into Effective Tools with Wayne Mullins | Ugly Mug Marketing
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Wayne Mullins, who is the Founder and CEO of Ugly Mug Marketing. Wayne shares his philosophy of "results based marketing" and why he thinks businesses should stay wary of vanity impressions, and other certain metrics. The two also discuss why businesses need to put work into their websites and socials in order to utilize these platforms as effective tools.
EP 267: Better Your Brand By Building Your Visuals: The Importance of Great Graphics With Katie Dooley | Paper Lime Creative
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Katie Dooley, who is the Founder and Brand Strategist at Paper Lime Creative, a Canadian design agency that helps businesses amplify their branding. Katie shares why it's important for businesses to invest in great graphics and identify their ideal customer. The two also discuss color theory and why businesses should be consistent in their branding, such as sticking to one font, or a fixed set of colors.
EP 266: Finding Your Brand Archetype: Tips To Becoming A Better Entrepreneur With Ann Bennett | Ann Bennett Marketing
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Ann Bennett, who is the CEO and Founder of Ann Bennett Marketing. Ann shares why it's important for entrepreneurs to avoid overextending themselves and to discover their brand archetype. Whether you're a geek, nurturer, disruptor, or innovator, Ann believes that its best for entrepreneurs to always remain authentic. The two also discuss the importance of discovering your values, and making sure that you hire individuals who hold these same beliefs.
EP 265: Making The Most Of Marketing Automation: How To Leverage Salesforce and HubSpot With Lauren Kennedy | Coastal Consulting
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Lauren Kennedy, who is the Chief Marketing Nerd of Coastal Consulting—a firm that helps organizations create an automated and personalized customer experience by helping them leverage HubSpot and Salesforce. The two discuss the importance of creating a persona, and the do’s and don’ts of HubSpot sequences. Lauren also talks about the approach businesses should take when trying to integrate HubSpot with Salesforce, while making the most of each system. They also touch on the benefits of using HubSpot for inbound marketing.
EP 264: The Secrets To Successful Brand Partnerships With Rachel Wagner | Hollywood Branded
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Rachel Wagner, who is the Director of Brand Partnerships at Hollywood Branded. Rachel talks about her experience in branded entertainment and the production side of partnerships. She also provides some examples of memorable moments she’s made possible in her career, including putting J.Lo in a Fiat at the AMA’s. The two also discuss the ways in which brands will make mistakes in trade partnerships.
EP 263: Why Company Swag Should Be Purposeful And Practical With Seth Frey | Big Frey Promotional Products
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Seth Fry, who is the President of Big Frey Promotional Products, where he helps organizations gain exposure and build comradery through providing them with branded merchandise, apparel, and gifts. From mouse pads to tumblers to fidget spinners and face masks, the two discuss which types of promotional products are the best additions to your company's "swag kits." They also highlight the importance of making your merch both functional and tasteful, and they consider the ways in which you can save money when diving into this type of branding.
EP 262: Building Brand Partnerships With Professional Athletes: The Do’s, Don’ts, Rewards, And Risks With Brittany Gilman
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Brittany Gilman, who is the CEO of BG Sports Enterprises, where Brittany builds brand partnerships campaigns for professional athletes. The two discuss how to create the perfect partnership with an athlete, as well as the risks that brands should consider when working with these types of figures. Brittany also provides some insights that brands should keep in mind when working with a limited budget while trying to pursue these types of partnership campaigns.
EP 261: Financial Planning 101: Investing In You, Your Plan, And Crypto With Phillip Ramsey And Bryan Dewhurst | Uncommon Wealth Partners
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Phillip Ramsey and Bryan Dewhurst, who are the co-founders of Uncommon Wealth Partners. They are financial planners that think differently about money and provide clients with information beyond retirement planning by helping them define goals, implement plans, and create wealth. The three discuss how you can better invest in yourself, your business, and maybe, even crypto.
EP 260: Survey Reveals Surprising Results on Entertainment Marketing
In this episode, Stacy sheds light on the survey our agency launched on entertainment marketing that was created to better understand market perception on product placement and celebrity endorsements by brands and their agencies. And boy, did it have some interesting reveals!
EP 259: Keeping It Local with Mariya Palanjian | GlobaFly
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Mariya Palangian, who is the CEO and founder of GlobFly, a company that specializes in targeted city takeovers, and Roma Leaf, a health and wellness brand that focuses on the benefits of CBD.
EP 258: The Best Way To Leverage Opportunities For Brand Marketing Partnerships
Stacy talks with you about how award shows have become a great marketing opportunity for brands.
EP 257: How Marketers Can Become Productive With Mari-Liis Vaher | Powerful Marketers
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Mari-Liis Vaher, who is the CEO of Powerful Marketers, where she helps businesses, around the world, strengthen their teams and relationships. The two discuss Mari-Liis' holistic approach to marketing, as well as the tools she uses to help her clients find success. Mari-Liis reminds marketers that creating a balance between your personal life and your professional life helps you do more, perform better, and become a stronger asset to your team.
EP 256: The Significance Of Having PR Plan For Your Brand
In this episode, Stacy discusses the importance of a Public Relations plan for your brand.
EP 255: Out of Home Advertising with Melissa Howell | Wilkins Media
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Melissa Howell, who is the Director of Client Partnerships at Wilkins Media, an out of home specialist firm based in New York City. The two discuss Melissa's unique, millennial perspective of an old school industry, and how she convinces digital and social heavy brands to take a chance on out of home advertising.
EP 254: The Advertising Solution To TV Clutter
In this episode, Stacy shares 9 successful ways to leverage a brand’s product placement exposure through their own social and digital universe.
EP 253: How to Market as a Music Artist with Margarita Monet | Lead Singer of Edge of Paradise
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Margarita Monet, who is the founder and lead vocalist of the rock band, Edge Of Paradise. The two discuss Margarita’s experience as a musician, as well as how marketing and social media have been important tools to driving the band’s success.
EP 252: How to Create an Eye-Catching Press Release with Mickie Kennedy | eReleases
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Mickie Kennedy, who is the President of eReleases, a traditional press release distribution company that helps small businesses, authors, and startups increase their visibility and credibility. The two discuss what tips and tricks you should use to create an eye-catching press release that will help move the needle for your brand.
EP 251: All About Direct Response Digital Marketing with Dylan Ogline | Ogline Digital
Stacy sits down with Dylan Ogline, who is the founder of Ogline Digital. The two will be talking all things digital marketing, and Dylan will offer his perspective on direct response advertising, as well as how it leads to business growth.
EP 250: What to Know When Building an App for Your Business with Eric Colbert | Spark6
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Eric Colbert, who is the COO and partner of Spark6, a creative agency that specializes in leveraging technology to help drive business goals. The two discuss what steps business owners need to take when trying to develop their own app.
EP 249: Being Efficient and Finding Success in eCommerce Marketing with Mike Begg | AMZ Advisors
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Mike Begg, who is the Co-founder and Chief Strategist of AMZ Advisors, a full-service eCommerce consultancy. The two discuss how to maximize your sales on Amazon, as well as all there is to know about finding success in eCommerce marketing.
EP 248: Why Product Placement Works As A Marketing Strategy For FLIR with Vatche Arabian | FLIR Systems
In this episode, Stacy interviews Hollywood Branded client point Vatche Arabian, Director of Content Marketing at FLIR Systems on why product placement in TV, Film and Music and branded content with Influencers, works as a core marketing strategy for FLIR thermal cameras.
EP 247: Obtaining Corporate Credit to Grow Your Business with Andrew Rey | Flow Business Funding
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Andrew Rey who is the CEO of Flow Business Funding, as well as the best-selling Author of Entrepreneurial Money Secrets: Unlock the Power of Corporate Credit to Leverage Access to Business. The two discuss how to obtain corporate credit in order to grow your business, without ruining your finances.
EP 246: Building Your Expertise By Providing Education with Terry Hale | Commercial Real Estate Investing
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Terry Hale, who is an expert in commercial real estate investing as well as an author of educational curriculums and trade and business magazines. The two discuss how Terry has used educational marketing to build his brand and gain a multitude of clients.
EP 245: How to Effectively and Efficiently Grow a Startup with Hamlet Azarian | LinkSignal
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Hamlet Azarian, who is the CEO of LinkSignal, where he uses his marketing, technical, and operational skill sets to deliver long-term scalable growth to companies of all sizes. The two discuss what SEO Strategies can be used to drastically increase monthly traffic, as well as what type of growth hacks you should be using in order to effectively and efficiently grow your startup.
EP 244: The Benefits of Planning with Tim Fitzpatrick | Rialto Marketing
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Tim Fitzpatrick, who is the founder and President of Rialto Marketing. The two discuss how important it is to have a plan and know the fundamentals when trying to market digitally. That being said, Tim believes that marketers can find more success by being organized and sticking to the basics!
EP 243: Tips And Tricks To Product Placement Partnerships In TV and Streaming Series with Susan Webber Gatto | SWG Consulting
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Susan Webber Gatto, who is the president of SWG Consulting. The two discuss how content creators can fund their programming through sponsorships and product placement, as well as the errors that many producers and brands make along the way.
EP 242: How To Win The Content War By Pulling Instead Of Pushing with Lou Carlozo | Carma Productions
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Lou Carlozo, who is the Founder and President of Carma Productions. The two talk about what steps you need to take in order to win the content war, and how to "pull" instead of "push" so you can create your best material.
EP 241: Maximizing Long-Term Business Outcomes with Ira Maher | The Basement
In this episode, Stacy sits down with Ira Maher, the Vice President of The Basement, an integrated agency that studies data to uncover insights that enable strategic, targeted, and effective marketing and advertising campaigns. The two discuss Ira’s passion in leveraging the convergence of marketing, technology, data and automation to optimize the customer experience and maximize long-term business outcomes.
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