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PROFITABLE TALKS...

In this episode of The Profitable Creative, Christian Brim sits down with marketing veteran Lorraine Ball to talk about the evolution of digital marketing, the realities of running an agency, and why most podcasts fail before episode five.

Lorraine shares her journey from accounting and computer programming into marketing, building and selling a successful agency, and reinventing herself as a consultant and educator for other agencies. Along the way, she and Christian dive into pricing strategy, client retention, scaling challenges, and how podcasts actually fit into a modern marketing ecosystem.

Whether you run an agency, create content, or are trying to grow a business sustainably, this conversation is packed with practical insights.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

• Why good marketing is rooted in numbers, not guesswork
• Lorraine’s transition from corporate marketing to agency ownership
• Early social media marketing lessons from the FBML era
• Why podcasts should support your sales process—not replace it
• The hidden downside of scaling too fast
• How raising prices can be smarter than hiring more staff
• The “squirrels, deer, moose, elephants & whales” framework for clients
• Why client retention matters more than top-line revenue
• The danger of letting one client dominate your business
• How to identify your ideal customer
• Why many businesses fail to define their real competition
• The importance of saying “no” to bad-fit clients

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.
https://bit.ly/4uCmlX2

Send us Fan Mail

PROFITABLE TALKS...

On this episode of The Profitable Creative, host Christian Brim brings you inside a live, in-person client event recorded in Oklahoma City—featuring a panel of creatives and entrepreneurs including Dustin Pead, Daniel Noriega, Scott Halverson, Nick Turske, Kyle Thomas, and Randy Kemp.

Together, they share real, unfiltered insights on business, relationships, and the future of AI.

From sales strategies to client retention, and from personal growth to mental health, this conversation dives deep into what actually drives success in today’s creative economy.

One theme rises above the rest: the human factor.

In a world increasingly shaped by automation and AI, this group explores why connection, intuition, and genuine relationships are becoming more valuable—not less.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

• Human connection is the ultimate differentiator
• Curiosity and asking questions make you more engaging
• AI lacks context, judgment, and intuition
• Experience builds intuition that AI can’t replicate
• Client retention comes from thoughtful, personal actions
• Your presence and energy matter as much as your skills
• Business growth is tied to personal growth
• Community helps overcome isolation and imposter syndrome
• The human experience is at the core of everything

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.
https://bit.ly/4uCmlX2

Send us Fan Mail

PROFITABLE TALKS...

On this episode of The Profitable Creative, host Christian Brim sits down with Jeff Kruszyna, co-founder of JMK Victory, a full-service direct mail fundraising company serving political campaigns, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations.

Jeff shares why direct mail is far from dead—and how physical marketing can cut through the noise of today’s overcrowded digital landscape. From the psychology of opening an envelope to the measurable ROI of donor campaigns, Jeff breaks down the art and science behind direct mail fundraising.

But this conversation goes deeper than marketing.

Jeff opens up about how 9/11 reshaped his life and career, leading him from computer science into politics and purpose-driven work. He also shares the journey of launching his business after 20+ years in the industry, the lessons learned in entrepreneurship, and how faith informs his leadership and decision-making.

This episode is a powerful blend of business strategy, personal conviction, and practical insight for anyone building a mission-driven brand.

PROFITABLE TAKEAWAYS...

• Physical mail creates stronger recall and engagement than digital clutter
• Mail-acquired donors often give more and stay longer
• Chasing small opportunities can block bigger growth
• Scaling requires trust, authority, and letting go of control
• Clarity and accountability drive growth
• Being upfront about values helps people self-select
• Jeff’s journey began with a defining moment on 9/11

Join our community of creative entrepreneurs and get a free copy of our No-BS Guide To Making Your Creative Business Actually Profitable delivered straight to your inbox. We’ll share smart, simple tips to help you keep more of what you earn—no boring accountant talk, we promise.
https://bit.ly/4uCmlX2