The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast

What should businesses focus on as marketing evolves in 2026? In this solo episode, John Jantsch breaks down 6 marketing trends that will shape 2026, from the growing importance of local SEO and customer retention to the rise of trust-based micro-influencers and authentic content. You'll learn why "real" is replacing viral, how mischief can become a marketing strategy, and why being genuinely helpful is the future of search. This episode offers practical guidance for small businesses and marketers looking to stay relevant, visible, and trusted in a rapidly changing landscape. Today we discussed: 00:00 Start 01:09 Intro 01:58 Local Advantage 04:45 Real is the New Viral 07:26 Mischief Marketing 08:43 Retention is the New Acquisition 10:30 Trust Brokers and Micro-Influencers 12:11 Be the Answer – Helpful Search Content Rate, Review, & Follow If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Let us know what you loved most about the episode. Struggling with strategy? Unlock your free AI-powered prompts now and start building a winning strategy today! 👉 Get Your Free Prompts: https://dtm.world/freeprompts

John is joined by Lauren Esposito to explore why AI delivers the most value when treated as a digital teammate rather than just another tool. They unpack how businesses can build a true hybrid workforce by integrating digital workers alongside humans, reshaping roles, accountability, and leadership in the age of AI. You'll learn how managing AI like an employee unlocks better outcomes, trust, and long-term ROI, and why AI adoption can't live solely in IT. This conversation offers practical insight into the future of work, digital labor strategy, and what it takes to orchestrate AI for real business impact. Today we discussed: 00:00 Start 01:10 Meet Lauren Esposito 02:19 The Hybrid Workforce 06:36 Organizational Shifts 10:21 Redefining Roles with AI 14:26 Trust in Digital Workers 17:20 Breaking Down Silos 20:49 Future Workforce Leadership Rate, Review, & Follow If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Let us know what you loved most about the episode. Struggling with strategy? Unlock your free AI-powered prompts now and start building a winning strategy today! 👉 Get Your Free Prompts: https://dtm.world/freeprompts

*This is a rerun of a previously released episode Geoff Woods is the #1 international bestselling author of The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster Decisions and the founder of AI Leadership and the AI Driven Leadership Collective. As a former Chief Growth Officer of a global company, Geoff brings real-world expertise in using AI to transform how leaders think and make decisions. In this episode, he reveals how AI can serve as a powerful thought partner—enhancing strategic focus, overcoming operational overwhelm, and unlocking breakthrough solutions using his CRIT framework. Tune in to learn how the most effective leaders are leveraging AI to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Today we discussed: 00:00 Start 01:10 Introducing Geoff Woods 01:23 How AI Enhances Leaders Strategic Thinking 03:13 AI as a Thought Partner 04:50 How AI Can Help with Operation Tasks 06:20 Focusing on the 20% 07:56 The C.R.I.T. Framework 13:10 Addressing the AI Culture Shift 16:20 How is AI Changing Decision Making 17:39 What's AI's Role in Leadership 19:26 How to Start Integrating AI Into Your Leadership Practices This episode is brought to you by Duct Tape Marketing. Free Resource for Business Owners: If you're feeling overwhelmed by marketing, don't miss our CEO Sara Nay's new 30-minute workshop: The Clarity Engine. You'll learn a smarter, more strategic approach and get a worksheet to map out your next steps for 2026. Join the workshop & grab your free worksheet - https://dtm.world/clarity Give yourself the gift of clarity in 2026!  

In The Science of Mindset and Sustainable Success, mindset coach and author Diana Pagano breaks down how neuroscience and neuroplasticity shape our beliefs, habits, and long-term success. She explains why sustainable success isn't about doing more, but about rewiring limiting beliefs, interrupting fear-driven patterns, and aligning your mindset with intentional action. This conversation explores how mindset shifts help entrepreneurs and leaders overcome self-doubt, burnout, and plateaus while creating lasting growth. If you're looking to understand the science behind mindset change and build success without sacrificing fulfillment, this episode offers practical insight and clarity. Today we discussed: 00:00 Introduction 00:59 Meet Diana Pagano 01:32 Defining 'More' in Mindset 02:31 Rewiring Your Mind 04:45 Privilege & Reality Check 08:14 Fear & Belief Systems 13:11 Success Mindset Coaching 16:29 Client Success Stories 21:03 Universal Strategies Rate, Review, & Follow This episode is brought to you by Duct Tape Marketing. Free Resource for Business Owners: If you're feeling overwhelmed by marketing, don't miss our CEO Sara Nay's new 30-minute workshop: The Clarity Engine. You'll learn a smarter, more strategic approach and get a worksheet to map out your next steps for 2026. Join the workshop & grab your free worksheet - https://dtm.world/clarity Give yourself the gift of clarity in 2026!

Sara breaks down the 10 essential questions every small business should ask before hiring a marketing agency, consultant, or fractional CMO. From who owns your marketing assets to how results are measured, Sara shares hard-won lessons from 16+ years helping businesses avoid costly mistakes. Learn how to spot red flags, demand transparency, and build a partnership based on strategy—not secrecy. Perfect for anyone ready to own their marketing and stop getting trapped in bad contracts. Today we discussed: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:50 Why Marketing Is Hard 00:04:26 10 Questions Overview 00:05:14 Question 1: Asset Ownership 00:07:20 Question 2: Measuring Success 00:09:11 Question 3: Strategy Alignment 00:11:09 Question 4: Contract Terms 00:12:11 Question 6: Reporting Standards 00:12:23 Question 5: Team Interaction 00:13:04 Question 7: AI Integration 00:15:12 Question 8: Keep Your Team Involved 00:17:48 Question 10: What You'll Learn Rate, Review, & Follow This episode is brought to you by Duct Tape Marketing. Struggling with marketing chaos? Our CEO, Sara Nay, has created a free 30-minute workshop, The Clarity Engine, along with a practical worksheet to help you build a marketing system that actually scales. Ready to finish the year with a clear plan? Start the workshop & grab your free worksheet - https://dtm.world/clarity Want a second set of eyes on your strategy? Sara's offering a few free, year-end review sessions (limited capacity) Book your strategy call - https://dtm.world/yearend