Welcome back to The Academy, where you get the tools, tips, and advice you need to grow your business. Today I want to talk about something that gets thrown around constantly in marketing: results. Everyone says they deliver them. It’s almost become a cliché. But when you stop and ask what “results” actually means, the answer usually gets pretty fuzzy. And honestly, I think some people like it that way. No definition means no accountability. At Sanctuary, “Return Results” isn’t just a nice phrase. It’s one of our core values. We take it seriously because delivering real results is what makes all the difference. Sound intriguing? Let’s jump into it.

Something will go viral on Tuesday, we'll scramble to create our version by Wednesday, and by Thursday, it's already over. We're running faster and faster. In the end, we feel like we've ended up in the same place.

But there's honestly a better way.

Success can actually be found by doing less, with a renewed focus on vibe instead of virality. Some are calling this the Vibe Economy, where consistent resonance matters more than viral reach. I'd like to just call it Vibe Marketing.

Instead of "What's trending with the masses?" people are remembering to ask "What does our unique audience want and need to feel right now?"

It's a subtle shift, but it can change everything.

Stephen Covey’s timeless advice, “Begin with the end in mind,” has stuck with me for a very long time, and it guides how I approach my personal and business life.

It’s deceptively simple but powerful: know where you want to go before you take the first step. This is where vision begins. You have to take the first step, and I deeply believe in this idea as well. But you have to know where you're going when you step off, otherwise you'll likely get lost along the way. In practice, it can mean the difference between success and mediocrity.

If we take Covey’s advice seriously, it changes how we think about strategy, leadership, and our lives. Here are 3 core takeaways to explore.

If you’ve spent any time in business, you’ve probably read your fair share of books that talk about customer service, culture, or leadership. A lot of them sound good in theory, but fall short when it comes to showing what these ideas look like in practice. What I love about Be Our Guest is that Disney doesn’t just talk about their philosophy; they’ve been living it for decades. They’ve proven it works in one of the toughest industries out there—entertainment and hospitality—where expectations are sky-high, competition is fierce, and customers are quick to share disappointment.

The reason this book resonated with me is because Disney takes something that feels magical—creating unforgettable guest experiences—and breaks it down into systems and principles that any organization can apply. Whether you’re running a theme park, a restaurant, a marketing agency, or a small family business, the lessons translate.

First, I want to thank you for listening and being part of this journey. Hitting one hundred episodes is a milestone, and it’s also the perfect time to take what we’ve learned and improve to serve you better.

Going forward, instead of longer episodes, we’re moving to a faster, sharper format designed for busy business owners and marketers. Each episode will deliver three quick, bite-sized insights to help you grow your business—no fluff, no distractions. Just the things you need to know, in minutes, so you can get on with your busy day.

There’s already more information out there than anyone can possibly keep up with. There are already podcasts that are sometimes 2-3 hours long that go deep on topics. Our goal is to provide an alternative that cuts through the noise and makes it easy for you to stay ahead in minutes instead of hours.

So, thank you for being here through the first hundred. I’m excited for what’s next—and I hope you’ll find this new format even more valuable.

Many people think of digital marketing as a way to generate new leads. But if that’s all you’re doing, you’re leaving opportunities and money on the table.

A comprehensive strategy empowers every part of your organization—from marketing and sales to service—driving growth, strengthening relationships, and maximizing customer value.

If you haven't thought about this before, here are three key takeaways to consider this week.

Today, we’re talking about a challenge—and an opportunity—that’s staring every marketer in the face: how to stand out on social media in a world flooded with generic AI content. AI has changed how people search, discover, and consume information, and the shift is happening faster than most businesses can keep up with. What worked even a year ago might already be stale. The opportunity is massive—but so is the risk of getting lost in the noise. So today, let’s dig into what this means for your business, why it matters now, and three strategies you can use to rise above the sea of sameness. Now… on to the show.

Welcome to Marketing Brief, a short, regular Academy Podcast segment where Chris will provide marketers and business owners with three bite-sized insights to grow their business.

I’ve noticed something shift this year—both in how I work and how I see others using tools like ChatGPT or Claude. It’s not occasional anymore. AI has become a daily habit for a lot of people. I'm one of them.

A new report caught my attention recently around this trend, and it says 43% of consumers now use AI tools every day. Not once in a while—every day. That’s a big deal. It means the way people find answers, make decisions, and interact with content is already changing faster than most businesses realize.

So with that thought, here are 3 takeaways that you should know...