In this episode of the Brand Up Podcast, we break down the real mechanics behind local marketing — the stuff that actually moves the needle when you’re building a service-based business.

We get into why Groupon brings price-shoppers, why Google Maps ads are the easiest entry point, and how $10/day can turn into a year of recurring revenue if you understand your ideal client and stick to a long-term plan.

You’ll hear why most owners fail at ads (hint: they quit after one bad day), how to build a referral engine without killing your margins, and why knowing your customer’s age, job, and spending habits affects everything from your offer to your headline.

We also cover:

• How to pick winning keywords for Google Maps ads
• Why intent beats impressions every single time
• The psychology of raising your prices without tanking your retention
• How to stop blending in and start dominating your local area
• Why “every business is pay-to-play” — either with time or money
• The mindset shift that separates people who scale from people who stall

If you’re serious about growing locally — not hoping, not guessing — this episode gives you the roadmap and the reality check.

In this episode of the Brand Up Podcast, we break down a simple truth every entrepreneur eventually learns: your story, your mindset, and your ability to grow through discomfort matter more than any connection you have.

This recording dives into a live workshop where everyone in the room had to pick one word that defines who they are right now — resilience, ambition, creativity, determination — and the conversations that followed turned into raw lessons on identity, confidence, and growth.

You’ll hear real stories from people who moved countries, started over, changed careers, rebuilt themselves, and chased goals that didn’t make sense to anyone but them.

We also get into:

• Why discomfort is the gateway to leveling up
• How your environment and circle shape your ambition
• Why growth feels lonely — and why that’s normal
• The mindset shift that separates action-takers from procrastinators
• How personal identity evolves as your goals get bigger
• Why sharing your story builds trust faster than any marketing tactic

This episode hits different — honest, practical, and loaded with perspective for anyone trying to build something real.

In this episode of Brand Up Podcast, Marian dives deep into the mindset shift that every entrepreneur faces — leaving behind stability, titles, and expectations to build something truly your own.

Through an honest and inspiring conversation, you’ll hear how a former corporate manager who led 90 people decided to walk away from the 24/7 grind, six-figure paycheck, and external validation to start a completely new chapter — one built on freedom, passion, and purpose.

Marian shares:

• Why starting from zero is often the smartest decision you’ll ever make
• How to transition from employee to business owner without losing momentum
• The real secret to getting clients fast — hint: it’s all about speed of response
• How relatability and authenticity beat “perfect marketing” every time
• The mindset difference between working under pressure and working with purpose
• What scaling from $220K to $1.2M taught him about mistakes, leadership, and growth
• Why marketing metrics mean nothing if your phone isn’t ringing
• How to use your story — not your résumé — to attract your next wave of clients

This episode is raw, practical, and packed with lessons for anyone ready to break free from corporate burnout and start building a brand that truly reflects who they are.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen.

In this episode of Brand Up Podcast, we unpack the real, step-by-step process behind going from zero clients to a fully booked calendar — without guessing, wasting money, or burning out.

Marian breaks down the exact mindset, math, and marketing moves that help service-based entrepreneurs (especially in beauty, creative, and local industries) scale confidently and strategically.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to set your first 6-month growth plan — and why “40 hours” isn’t the real metric of success
• Turning luxury services into sustainable businesses (even if you’re working from home)
• When to raise prices, by how much, and how to handle losing clients the smart way
• How to calculate the lifetime value of a client — and use that to plan your revenue goals
• How to define your client avatar (meet “Jenny,” the blueprint for your ideal buyer)
• Using ChatGPT for instant market research and competitor analysis
• Why the most successful brands know where their clients hang out — online and offline
• How to find referral partners in unexpected places (like restaurants or salons)
• The importance of response time — and how fast replies build trust and conversions
• Why clarity beats hustle when building a business from scratch

If you’ve been trying to figure out how to turn your passion into predictable income — this episode is your roadmap to a fully booked, well-branded business that grows with intention.

In this episode of Brand Up Podcast, we dive into one of the most practical and game-changing combos for entrepreneurs in 2025 — Canva and ChatGPT. Whether you’re creating business cards, social media posts, or a full referral campaign, this episode walks you through how to turn simple tools into real client-generating systems.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How Canva and ChatGPT now integrate — and how to use them together to create on-brand marketing in minutes
• The easiest way to design and print business cards using Canva + Vistaprint (and a secret $10 hack to double your order)
• Why every design should include a QR code that drives traffic or referrals
• How to build a $25 referral system that turns waitresses, friends, and clients into your sales team
• The psychology behind “what’s in it for them” — how to make others want to send you clients
• Why referral programs are the most profitable form of marketing for service-based businesses
• How to track leads, conversion rates, and understand the real cost of client acquisition
• What makes a social media post stop the scroll (and how to reverse-engineer what gets your attention)
• Why rapport, relatability, and storytelling always beat traditional selling
• How to use ChatGPT to write better ad copy, scripts, and even refund policies

If you’re ready to start building a brand that attracts clients naturally — without spending thousands on marketing — this episode is your playbook for creating content that connects and converts.

🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode of Brand Up Podcast, we break down what most people overcomplicate — the actual steps to launch your business the right way from day one. From legal setup to social presence, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for going from idea to official business owner.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Why skipping your Google Business listing is the fastest way to stay invisible online
• The exact order to set up your accounts — Gmail → Google Maps → Instagram → Facebook → Website
• How to pick a name that ranks and builds brand trust (and what not to do with underscores)
• Why you should own your domain and social handles before launching anything
• The difference between LLC, DBA, and business certificates (and how much they really cost)
• How to protect your personal assets with liability insurance — even if you work from home
• When to use Venmo vs. Stripe (and how to make the switch the smart way)
• How to start collecting Google reviews before your first paying client
• The $600 mistake that delays business credit, growth, and future funding
• Why consistency and structure matter more than being “ready”

If you’re serious about building something real — not just a side hustle — this episode will save you time, money, and regret.

🎧 Tune in on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

In this episode of Brand Up Podcast, we get into the fundamentals every new entrepreneur needs to understand — from setting up your business the right way to attracting the right clients and knowing when to level up.

Here’s what we cover:

• Why you should stop overthinking your first business name (and what to do instead)
• LLCs, DBAs, business insurance — the real setup breakdown without the legal jargon
• How to protect your personal assets by separating business and personal credit
• What to expect when opening a business bank account and how to build credit fast
• A simple plan to go from your living room to a professional space — the smart way
• How to identify your 3 core client types and tailor your sales approach to each
• The importance of video testimonials and social proof in converting strangers into clients
• When it’s time to raise your prices and how to know you’re ready
• The one platform every small business should prioritize for ads
• Why consistency beats perfection every time when building your brand online

If you’ve ever felt stuck between “just starting” and “going all in,” this episode gives you a clear roadmap to turn your hustle into a real, structured business — without wasting money or overcomplicating the process.

🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.