Never Been Promoted: Niche Down, Build Up, and Stand Out

Success isn’t handed to anyone—it’s earned, sometimes painfully. This week’s podcast lineup is a masterclass in perseverance and sharp pivots. These conversations aren’t just about wins—they’re about figuring it out, even when the odds aren’t in your favor.

Marketing Tip of the Week: Start small, stay focused, and let strategy do the heavy lifting.

Across the board, our guests proved that doubling down on the basics—authentic relationships, clear niches, and tools that amplify your strengths—outpaces shortcuts every time.

Here’s the rundown from this week—grab what works and make it yours.

Episode 155

Paris Vega Shares Keys to Digital Marketing Success

Paris Vega ’s story is one of grit, growth, and mastering the art of digital marketing. Starting out as a web designer, Paris worked his way through the ranks to become the CEO of The Nine Digital . Along the way, he transformed the company from a regional web development shop into a powerhouse that collaborates with industry giants like John Deere and Peterbilt.

Key Takeaways:

• Relationships Build Success: Paris credits The Nine Digital's growth to the team’s focus on building authentic connections. From networking at church to leveraging past college relationships, genuine engagement created opportunities for success.
• Start Small, Grow Big: Whether it’s niche services for startups or tailored solutions for industrial clients, Paris emphasizes staying focused and scaling strategically. Specializing in one thing can often land you the big contracts.
• Avoid the Hustle Culture Trap: Reflecting on his early years, Paris shared how burnout and lack of sleep led to physical health scares. Today, he prioritizes balance and advocates for entrepreneurs to step back, recharge, and approach their work with clarity.

Expert Recommendations & Resources:

• Traction by Gino Wickman – A must-read for understanding EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System).
• SEO & PPC Insight – Focus on conversion tracking and avoid “vanity metrics” like impressions or views.

Read more about Paris HERE.

Catch the full podcast episode HERE.

Episode 156

Unlock Entrepreneurial Potential Through Purposeful Design with Sarah Berchild

Sarah Berchild, Purpose Design Co isn’t your average entrepreneur. Her journey started on the design teams of major players like the Golden State Warriors and Walt Disney Studios, but it took a near-paralyzing health scare for her to recalibrate her purpose. Today, she’s the founder of Purpose Design Co. , a company driven to tackle climate change and empower women through user-centric product and service design. Sarah’s mission? To ensure every innovation has a lasting, positive impact.

Key Takeaways:

• Turning Adversity into Purpose: Sarah’s brush with paralysis didn’t stop her; it gave her clarity. She transformed her recovery into a second chance to make a difference—not just for herself but for future generations.
• Empathy Meets Innovation: Her company specializes in customer-focused design, ensuring that every product solves real-world problems while considering business viability.
• Never Stop Learning: From burning out in her first business to mastering the language of business through startups and VCs, Sarah emphasizes the importance of staying adaptable and continuously building your skill set.

Expert Recommendations and Resources:

• Resources for Entrepreneurs: Sarah highlights free mentorship programs through SBA.gov and SBDC—great for financial planning, P&L sheets, and legal advice.
• Educational Tools: For those diving into user experience, check out the Emily Carr University program combining design and business education.

Read more about Sarah Berchild HERE.

Listen to the full episode HERE.

Episode 157

From Amazon Business to Short-Term Rental Success with Jacob Morgenstern

Jacob Morgenstern isn’t your average entrepreneur. Starting out with an Amazon business, Jacob pivoted into short-term rentals in 2019 and now manages high-end vacation homes under his company, Seaproper . His focus? Unique properties that cater to larger groups and families, with an eye on both customer experience and investor satisfaction.

Key Takeaways:

• Find Your Niche: Jacob realized the oversaturation of smaller rental properties on Airbnb and shifted to managing larger homes, carving out a lucrative niche that caters to family gatherings and special events.
• Know When to Pivot: Recognizing patterns from his Amazon days, Jacob anticipated market saturation and adjusted his strategy to include unique high-end properties, syndications, and value-added investments.
• Partner Smartly: Jacob emphasized the importance of strong partnerships, from working with his wife to aligning with a tech-savvy property manager to optimize operations.

Expert Resources and Recommendations:

• Books: The One Thing by Gary Keller – A must-read for avoiding shiny object syndrome and staying focused on your goals.
• Platform: Hospitable.com – Jacob swears by this software for managing property listings and streamlining operations.
• People to Follow: Richard Furdick – A key influence in Jacob’s short-term rental journey, known for his insightful conferences.

Read about Jacob Morgenstern and his business journey HERE. 

Catch the full podcast episode HERE. 

Episode 158

Cebron Walker’s Secrets to YouTube Success

Cebron Walker doesn’t just run a marketing agency; he’s a marketing craftsman with over 35 years of experience. As the founder of Walker Kreative , he’s built a career on helping businesses thrive, offering tailored solutions that bridge creativity and strategy. From guiding startups to optimizing established brands, Cebron’s mission is clear: to help others master the art and science of marketing.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Niching Down: Marketing is an overwhelming ocean, but the real wins come when you niche down. Cebron emphasizes focusing on specific audiences and mastering your craft within that space. “Pick your tribe and talk to them.”
• Start Small, Scale Strategically: For those venturing into platforms like YouTube, Cebron advises starting simple. “Your first 50 videos will suck—and that’s okay. Learn, refine, and grow.” He underscores consistency and focused messaging as the backbone of long-term success.
• Leverage Trends, Don’t Chase Them: A clever trend can skyrocket visibility. Case in point: a veterinary client’s trendy YouTube short netted 54,000 views and 600 subscribers in just days—all from one playful, on-brand video.

Expert Recommendations and Resources:

• Tools: Start small with essentials like a tripod, ring light, and microphone to elevate your video production.
• People to Follow: For aspiring marketers, Cebron suggests studying the likes of Mr. Beast for understanding YouTube dynamics.
• Platforms to Watch: Keep an eye on YouTube Shorts and TikTok—these are today’s brand awareness powerhouses.

Read more about Cebron's journey HERE. 

Catch the full podcast episode HERE. 

Coming Up Next on Never Been Promoted...

• Transforming Content Creation with Richard McBeath 🧑✈️
• The Art of Airbrush Murals and Pinstriping with Dave "Letterfly" Knoderer
• Conquering Procrastination and Building Momentum with Chris Abdey

• Designing a Joyful and Engaged Second Career with Jack Calhoun
• Mindset, Messaging, and Mastering Sales with Nicky Billou

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