Main Street Marketing: Recent Episodes
Paragon Marketing Group
Main Street Marketing is brought to you by Paragon Marketing Group in Wisconsin. The host of the show is Jim Reinke, President and owner of Paragon. The podcast will cover topics relevant to the marketing arena of today and we will invite industry experts who can shed some light on a variety of topics.
What are some marketing strategies you should be thinking about during the mid-year months? How can you approach networking in a more effective way? Where are we at with AI? All this and more on the Main Street Marketing Podcast with guest Lisa Raebel.
What brings someone to a buying decision? That is the question that Paragon Marketing Group asks in this episode of the Main Street Marketing podcast. Learn from everyday buyers how they make their decisions to buy a product or service.
We live in an ever-changing world in 2026. Marketing is no different. Businesses must almost certainly change certain strategies as the marketing landscape evolves and shifts. Staying relevant and up to date has never been more important. But change often comes with fear, and fear can paralyze even the most innovative business owners if they aren't equipped to face modern challenges. Learn how even small businesses can thrive if they have the courage to make their move.
Companies have been making marketing mistakes forever. Even now we see the same mistakes made over and over again. New business owners aren't aware of the many pitfalls of marketing, which makes them susceptible to these mistakes. Learn some of the most common ones on this episode of the Main Street Marketing Podcast.
How do you stand out in a saturated market? How do you differentiate yourself when so many others are doing the same thing you are? This is a big question, but the fundamentals to answering it are time-tested and relatively simple. Join our guests, Rob and Amy Krieghoff, in this episode of the Main Street Marketing Podcast as they discuss their knowledge of real estate marketing.
In a world that's constantly changing and a marketing landscape where every day seems different from the last, there are still some strategies that are time-tested and remain effective. Join Skip and Emma in this episode of the Main Street Marketing Podcast as they discuss (and perhaps debate) some of the most common time-tested marketing strategies. Will these same strategies still be here 10 years from now? How has marketing changed, and where is it going?
Planning is not something we look forward to doing in business. It's tedious, it's hard, it's torturous. It's also essential. Without a clear plan, your business will not know where it is going. Goals need to be set. Processes need to be put in place. Following through and holding yourself and others to account is the bedrock for a solid business plan. Learn from Gary Loop how your business can plan for 2026.
Our world is changing quickly in so many different ways. Business and marketing are caught up in these changes. Some see the rise of AI and economic uncertainty and find themselves unsure of their future. This can paralyze leaders into a state of "wait and see". In this episode of the Main Street Marketing Podcast, Skip shares his thoughts on this and why he believes that the key to reigniting the hopes and dreams we have for our businesses and our lives can't be found in paralysis.
A good reputation is a powerful asset in business. Whether you're marketing to other businesses or directly to consumers, maintaining your reputation will be important. But how do you build a reputation? What do you even want your reputation as a business to be? It may be more than just having a good name or being known for excellent service. Looking good is one thing. Being truly unique is something else entirely.
For Tinus Marine, it all comes down to relationships built over many years. Join the Paragon team as they welcome Krysta Tinus to the podcast.
Storytelling can be one of the most helpful tools when it comes to marketing your business. Stories are memorable, which allows your business an avenue to stick in the minds of potential customers. Even if someone is not in need of your product or service at the time they hear your story, it will stay with them until they are. Don't underestimate the marketing power of a good story!
How much money should you allocate for marketing your business? What should you spend it on? What should you NOT spend it on? What are some new things in the marketing world that can give your business a competitive advantage? Join Skip and Emma on the Main Street Marketing Podcast to get answers to your questions about marketing budgets.
What does the printing industry look like in 2025. Is it dying, or is it thriving? Learn about how print is still relevant in this digital age and where it has advantages. Also find out why working with your local print shop might be a far better option than an online solution.
Do you understand trends and data when it comes to marketing? Once you have data, how do you analyze it? How should you react to it? What if you could look at all your data across various platforms in one place? Actually, you can! Join Skip and Emma for a crash course on data analysis and what it means for your business.
Join us on Main Street Marketing as we dive into understanding direct mail advertising with our guest, Wade Knopf. We discuss different types of direct mail programs are in food coupons and packet mailings for small businesses. We touch on the dues and the don'ts and why it's still a valuable marketing tool in today's business world.
Join us on Main Street Marketing as we dive into the world of iconic commercials from the 1970s to today with our guest, Lisa Raebel. We discuss what made these ads unforgettable, why they resonated, and their lasting impact on brand identity. From comedic to emotional and everything in between, this episode is a nostalgic look at advertising done right.
JD Sutter, owner, station manager, and program director of the internet radio station, PorchlightFM, joins Skip and Nate at the Main Street Marketing Podcast all the way from Glendale, Arizona to discuss podcasting.
🎤 How do you keep podcast informative and entertaining, but not make it seem like a constant advertisement for your business?
🎤 How do you take listeners on a journey while being mindful of their time . . . ?
Find out what JD considers to be the biggest misconception about podcasting . . .
COMMENT: Tell us in the comments what your favorite podcast is and why!
🤔 Want to get more marketing tips from Paragon? Check out our blog: https://tinyurl.com/5n86ee65
PLUS: Learn more about the podcasting services we offer: https://tinyurl.com/3zwbzxmn
đźš— On the go? Listen to the full episode on Spotify here: https://tinyurl.com/5n88x95c
🍏 Prefer Apple Podcasts? We got you covered: https://tinyurl.com/2p94utk6
Holly Stapleton, owner of Integrity Services, joins Skip and Emma at the Main Street Marketing Podcast to discuss branded apparel, promotional products, and business gifts.
🧢 Why is it important to sample promotional products before ordering them in bulk?
🧢 What is the downside to ordering trendy items for your brand?
Learn how one of Holly's high profile clients were able to use well-thought out branded apparel to create scarcity . . .
🤔 Want to get more marketing tips from Paragon? Check out our blog: https://tinyurl.com/5n86ee65
PLUS: Learn more about the marketing services we offer: https://tinyurl.com/cxwtr5rm
Jodi Schwefel, owner of Pure Love Essences, joins Skip and Emma at the Main Street Marketing Podcast to discuss product marketing . . .
Julie Collins, a local photographer who has owned her own photography business and worked in the industry for 15 years, joins Skip and Emma for our first episode of the new season of the Main Street Marketing Podcast!
The Paragon staff join Skip for a roundtable discussion to chat about lessons they've learned over the year, changes in the industry, and marketing predictions for 2025.
Matt Phelps, Senior Product Security Engineer at Crowdstrike, returns to the Main Street Marketing Podcast to discuss AI in Business with Paragon Marketing Group's Video Specialist, Nate Kuphall.
Lisa Raebel, Founder and Chief Storyteller at Rebel Girl Marketing, stops by the Main Street Marketing Podcast to discuss developing a marketing strategy for 2025 . . .
Ed Guzman, Director of Business Development at Life 102.5, stops by the Main Street Marketing Podcast to discuss radio advertising . . .
Pastor O'Donnell, Senior Pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc, stops by the Main Street Marketing Podcast to discuss Christian outreach . . .
Matt Phelps, Senior Product Security Engineer at Crowdstrike, stops by the Main Street Marketing Podcast to discuss cybersecurity for small business . . .
Dennis Richards, a BNI Director, stops by the Main Street Marketing Podcast to discuss networking for small business owners . . .
Frankie "Trash," drummer and manager of the local band "Cherry Pie," stops by the Main Street Marketing Podcast to discuss how to market local entertainment . . .
David Belman, President & CEO of Belman Homes, stops by the Main Street Marketing podcast to discuss the role of philanthropy in business, talk about the power of giving back, and share information about Operation Finally Home in Wisconsin.
Cherie Sonsalla, Executive Director at the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce, stops by the Main Street Marketing podcast to discuss how to build your local network alongside your chamber of commerce.
Skip welcomes Jeff McCarthy, Marketing Director at Bank Five Nine, to the Main Street Marketing podcast to talk about marketing in financial services.
Emma's back in the Main Street Marketing Podcast hotseat to talk all about the scams she's witnessed firsthand and tips she offers to help you avoid becoming the next victim . . .
For the first time in Main Street Marketing podcast history, Skip gets out of the hosting chair and into the guest chair while guest host Emma Oppermann (Paragon's Production Coordinator) asks Skip what's on his 2024 wishlist.
Paragon Marketing Group's very own video specialist Nate Kuphall sits in the hotseat to explain why video is such an effective marketing channel.
Special guest Rob Krieghoff returns to the Main Street Marketing podcast to share the benefits of direct mail marketing.
Special guest Duane Scherret joins Skip for some more marketing horror stories . . . twice the horror, but also twice the fun!
Skip and special guest Duane Scherret talk through some terrifying marketing horror stories that are sure to have you spooked in this latest episode of the Main Street Marketing podcast.
Skip and special guest Kristin Griffin-Phelps, Content Creator at Paragon Marketing Group, will be uncovering some secrets to successful social media strategy, and explain how you can start applying them to your business marketing today.
In the latest episode of the Main Street Marketing podcast, Skip and special guest Nate Scherret, graphic designer at Paragon Marketing Group, are going to talk about the three biggest misconceptions people business owners have about graphic design, and what their recommendations are to combat those misconceptions.
It’s September 1st. And usually for the whole month of September, you never truly know what kind of weather you’re going to get in Wisconsin. It can be in the 90s one day and in the 60s the next.
Students are going back to school. Fall’s official first day is on September 23rd. And overall, September is a month of transition and change.
And just like that, we’re only a month away from the final quarter of the year, and it’s time to look ahead to next year.
Now while it may seem early to already be evaluating next year’s marketing plan, consider yourself ahead of the crowd. September is a great month to figure out what went well (and what didn’t) during the year, and how you can start preparing for the new year.
So today, I’m going to go through all the big questions you should be asking yourself as you prepare for next year’s marketing.
Skip and podcast guest Emma Oppermann (and Paragon's very own Production Coordinator) are going to answer our clients’ frequently asked questions about websites, including:
- Why is social media not a replacement for a website?
- What are the benefits of getting a website for your business?
- Why is getting a cheap or free website a bad idea?
- What is web hosting/maintenance, and why do you need them?
Running a Christ-centered business is a very personal topic to discuss because here at Paragon Marketing Group, that is what we’re all about.
One of our core values is Faith: we know our professional paths are directed by God to use our given talents to better those we serve.
Our hope is that any business owner who already does or wants to run a Christ-centered business will get value out of today’s episode.
If you just started your business, congratulations! That’s a huge accomplishment.
But as you probably know, the road that lies ahead isn’t an easy one.
The odds are not in your favor.
In fact, almost 25% of all business startups fail within the first year.
That percentage doubles to 50% within the first five years of business.
So how can you be part of the other half of businesses, the ones who succeed, who persevere, and who stay in business?
The good news? You’re at the beginning. You have the luxury of time on your side.
Right now, you can choose to avoid some major marketing mistakes that many small business owners make when they’re first starting out.
So today, I’m going to tell you three things you SHOULDN’T do when it comes to marketing your startup business . . .
Whatever you end up doing this Independence Day, it's a great time to celebrate that we live in a free country where we’re free to run our own businesses.
But as a small business owner, I’ve often found that while I have the freedom to be my own boss, the amount of responsibilities often outweighs the freedom that comes with owning a business.
And if you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed that, too. Along the way, I’ve learned it’s impossible to be an expert in every aspect of business. In fact, I don’t want to know how to do literally everything. I want to focus on the things I do best and my favorite parts of running my business.
Maybe you’ve also been craving that freedom to focus on the aspects of your business where you most excel in, but you’re unsure how to get there.
I want you to have that freedom, too.
So today, I’m going to share three ways you can gain your marketing independence:
It’s summer time! The sun is shining, the temperature is up, students are out on summer break, and many people are getting ready to go on vacation.
You might also be preparing to go on a much needed (and well-deserved) vacation. But what about your marketing . . . ?
Just because you can go on vacation doesn’t mean your marketing should.
Today, I’m going to give you three reasons why your marketing can’t take a vacation . . .
When you hear the word “mistake,” what do you think of?
Disappointment, failure, waste of time, frustration . . .
You probably don’t think about a hug.
Okay, I don’t actually mean “hug” in the literal sense. I’m talking about embracing your mistakes.
As business owners, we sure do make a lot of mistakes. It’s impossible to be successful without making a few mistakes along the way.
But when it comes to marketing, I’ve met many business owners who want to get it right the first time. Or they have a difficult time accepting that their marketing plan didn’t bring the results they hoped for. Or they’re frustrated and disappointed they made a big mistake.
As humans, we’re prone to mistakes. We all have flaws. And marketing is no exception to that rule. So the next time you make a marketing mistake, here are a few ways you can embrace it:
If you want the end result of beautiful, healthy, long-lasting flowers, then you have to plan ahead. You have to prepare them. You have to plant the seeds. You have to cultivate them.
And then when your flowers are blooming, you can’t just ignore them. Just like you would never yank flowers out of your garden and put them in an empty vase with no food or water and expect them to live, you can’t just try out marketing for a day and hope it continues to work into the future.
Just like with flowers, you have to plan ahead for your marketing. You have to prepare a strategy. You have to determine your audience, your desired channels, your goals, and how you plan to achieve them.
And when you’re consistently doing these things, you can’t just stop and assume your marketing will take care of itself over time. You have to regularly manage your marketing.
So today, I’m going to give you five ways to grow your small business with marketing.
Special guest Rob Krieghoff joins us on the Main Street Marketing podcast, where we’ll be talking about consistency with your marketing.
I don’t think there’s any advice we could offer that wouldn’t include the idea of being consistent. And of course, this applies to marketing your business as well.
But when we talk about consistency, we don’t just mean “repeat the same things over and over again.” While repetition plays a role, there’s a whole lot more to it. With that said, let’s talk consistency . . .
Whenever you find success, there are always skeptics. Critics. Deniers. People who are actively against whatever it is you’re trying to accomplish.
And like most things in life, many people question the value of marketing:
- Does it actually work?
- Can it actually make a difference for my business?
- Is it a waste of my money, my time, my resources?
And any time you’re planning to spend your hard-earned money or time on something, it’s important to ask these questions.
We shouldn't be asking, “Does marketing work?” But rather, “When does marketing work?”
The merit of marketing has been proven time and again. So rather than defend the idea of marketing, today I’m going to explain how marketing works when we apply the right techniques.
“Don’t be a marketing fool.” Um . . . what?
I promise this isn’t a prank. It’s not an April Fool’s Joke. And I’m not calling anyone a fool. Rather, as a small business owner, one of my biggest desires is that other business owners not make some of the most common marketing mistakes I’ve witnessed over the last several years.
Now maybe you’ve made some of these. Or maybe you’ve got your marketing all together, and I should be learning from you! Either way, here are the top 10 marketing mistakes I’ve seen:
Luck is a big theme for the month of March. Most of us think of four-leaf clovers, leprechauns, pots of gold, rainbows, and of course, St. Patrick’s Day.
But today, I want to talk about luck in the context of marketing. How does luck play a role in your marketing, and why is it not enough to help you be successful . . . ?
What do you think of when you hear the word “networking”?
Social networking? Sales? LinkedIn? Computer network?
Networking is all about connecting with others and developing professional relationships. Maybe some of the people you network with will turn into your buyers. Maybe you’ll be the buyer in some cases. Maybe you’ll collaborate together, or maybe you’re trying to find your next best hire through networking.
Probably one of the biggest questions I get every time I start talking to a business owner about outsourcing their marketing is, “Why should I hire you if I can just figure it all out myself?”
And that’s a great question. This might not apply to EVERY business. But most small businesses that are struggling to juggle everything are going to want to hear this.
So I’m going to give 5 reasons why I think it’s time for MOST businesses to outsource their marketing.
So when we consider all that goes into marketing, the big “why’s of marketing” we often hear from clients are questions like, “Why is marketing necessary for my business to succeed?” Or, “Why is marketing going to make my business any different than other businesses?”
Either way, marketing impacts all of us, every single day. And as a business owner, understanding marketing isn’t just essential to running your business; marketing will help establish your business in the industry and expand its reach.
Starting a business can be a very exciting time for anyone! However, there are so many things that have to be done properly in order for the business succeed. One area where people fail is in ther marketing and this is where business owners many times stumble.
The pandemic did not do any favors for small businesses. For churches however, it was a nightmare. In this episode, Skip Reinke talks about how churches need to market themsleves especially after the pandemic.
In this episode, host Skip Reinke and guest Sean Allen talk about how to tie your goals into your marketing and the importance of goals.
In this episode, host Skip Reinke chats with Lisa Raebel—the marketing strategist guru.Â
In this episode, host Skip Reinke and Nate Kuphall will discuss various reasons why your business should use video and the success it will have.
In this episode, host Skip Reinke and Emma Oppermann will discuss various aspects relating to websites and the most common mistakes that we see on a daily basis.Â
Embroidery, screen printing, cubs, keychains, hats, padfolios, pens... yes, there's a lot of ways to promote your business these days. Amanda Neu from Topline Promotions (tlpromo.com) talks about what's trending most among the many ways to get the word out about what you do best especially when it comes to using apparel to enhance your brand.
In this episode, host Skip Reinke and Paul M. Neuberger will discuss various aspects of LinkedIn including common questions, how to get started, and more. Paul is a LinkedIn master and will provide some of his knowledge that can affect your business today. Be sure to check out Paul's Instantaneous Monetization of LinkedIn Recorded Webinar for even more on how to use LinkedIn.