Foster Web Marketing Podcast

Kenny Berger is the owner of the Law Office of Kenneth E. Berger, which has offices in Columbia and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He started the firm in 2011 with the philosophy of putting clients first and focusing on values rather than profits. Kenny believes in giving back to his community. A portion of the attorney fees from all DUI accident cases at his firm are donated to organizations working to eliminate drunk driving. Likewise, a portion of any fee earned in a traumatic brain injury case is donated to the TBI-recovery community. In this episode, you’ll learn: How putting clients first leads to more success than a focus on profits. Kenny believes that putting yourself in the client’s shoes each day and treating them with dignity and respect will reap great rewards.   How giving to others brings many rewards back to you and your business. Kenny follows the abundance mentality—you get what you give—and thinks it’s much more fulfilling and has a longer-lasting impact.   Why supporting local chariti

Rem Jackson is the founder and CEO of Top Practices, which he started in 2007 to help podiatrists market, grow, and manage their practices. Rem and his marketing consultants have helped hundreds of doctors transform their businesses through effective marketing and efficient practice management. He’s been a coach and trainer to professionals and business leaders for over 18 years. He’s also the author of Podiatry Prosperity: How to Market, Manage, and Love Your Practice and hosts the podcast “Prosperity & Something Greater.”   In this episode, you’ll learn: How to set goals and achieve them: Rem suggests writing down your goals and shares his tips on how to take your goals seriously and make sure you keep chipping away at them. To accept challenges and find the silver linings: Rem shares how he used the pandemic to spend more time improving his health and his home life. How to make every day your “best day ever.” Rem recommends preparing for your day the night before by talking with your subconscious an

Dr. Arianne Missimer is the founder of The Movement Paradigm, an integrative health center focusing on mindset, nutrition, and movement. She opened her first personal training center when she was 22, working as a dietitian and personal trainer for 13 years. She went back to school to get her doctorate in physical therapy. At 35, two months before her wedding, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer. While she was undergoing radiation treatment, she decided to start training for “American Ninja Warrior.” Her appearance didn’t air on TV, but she made it to the second obstacle!   In this episode, you’ll learn:   How you can live your best life by changing the way you live and think. Arianne says inflammation is the source of many health issues, and she shares her insight about how changing your diet, mindset, and movements can help alleviate it. What The Movement Paradigm is and how it can help you. Arianne opened The Movement Paradigm to focus on treating the whole person by educating people about the resilien

Matt Tate has worked with FWM since 2013. He started out in marketing and coaching and became a business development strategist. He helps clients exceed their business development goals through his work with Tom in our coaching program.    In this episode, you’ll learn: What FWM coaching is all about. Matt explains that it starts with determining each clients’ personal and business goals and the types of cases they want to attract.    How coaching holds clients accountable and keeps them on track. During monthly calls, Matt and Tom walk each client through the Marketing Growth Plan and discuss the mindset, strategy, and tactics that will set them up for success. Strategies and techniques that lead to more business. Matt and Tom know what works and what doesn’t. Their diverse knowledge is an asset to those who seek their guidance, and they take pride in helping our clients exceed their goals.  

Jennifer Rose is the executive director of the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce. She helps local business owners connect and network because it’s impossible to do everything yourself, so you need to seek experts. Jennifer likes to think she’s an influencer in the community, and she encourages entrepreneurs to ask for advice and tap into the diversity of ideas their communities have to offer. In this episode, you’ll learn: The benefits of community networking. Jennifer explains why entrepreneurs and small businesses benefit from helping each other by sharing ideas, advice, and solutions to common problems.    How to leverage your local network, especially during trying times. Jennifer says, never stop connecting with other local businesses because they will become your support network and understand what you’re going through.   What your local Chamber of Commerce can do for you. Jennifer “kicks doors in for people,” and that’s not all the Chamber does. It also offers a variety of resources to help yo

Learn about Scott Harrison's pursuit of saving the world: https://www.charitywater.org/foster-web-marketing Scott Harrison is the founder of charity: water, a non-profit organization with a mission to bring clean, drinkable water to everyone around the world. Scott started the charity in 2006 after volunteering as a photographer on a hospital ship off the coast of Liberia for two years. He decided he wanted to make clean water his mission since 1 out of 10 people in the world are still drinking unclean water. Scott was recognized in Fortune’s “40 Under 40,” Forbes’ “Impact 30,” and was ranked 10th in Fast Company’s “100 Most Creative People in Business.” He is also the author of The New York Times bestseller, Thirst: A Story of Redemption, Compassion, and a Mission to Bring Clean Water to the World.   In this episode, you’ll learn: How having it all doesn’t equal a fulfilled feeling: Scott was living the “good” life as a club promoter, making tons of money, and hanging out with celebrities. He tells the sto

Gerry Oginski is a medical malpractice and accident trial lawyer in New York. He started his legal career in 1988, working for Leahey & Johnson, a well-known defense firm on Wall Street, representing doctors and hospitals that were being sued. He decided to open his own law firm in 2002, and he now works for Kramer, Dillof, Livingston & Moore. In this episode, you’ll learn: The power of video and how easy it is to do it yourself: Gerry has created more than 3,200 videos and shared them on YouTube. He provides simple tips on how to create videos people will actually watch and share with others.   How good, easy-to-understand content draws people in and keeps them coming back: Gerry suggests figuring out the path your clients take to get to you and then creating a variety of content pieces to help them along the way. The secret to crushing your competition in organic searches: Gerry says you not only need to be energetic and enthusiastic but also educational and controversial to attract and keep

Tricia Rightmire is an executive assistant for FWM’s sales team, and she’s been working with us for 10 years. Tricia is also the founder of Buffalo Stampede, a crowdsourced organization based in Kansas that supports various community projects. In this episode, you’ll learn:  - The story behind how Buffalo Stampede started in 2012: Tricia shares how her dad always made Christmas special and how losing him made her want to bring that same joy to kids in her community.  - How something small can turn into a full-blown organization that impacts an entire community: Tricia talks about how social media helped grow the group from just friends to more than 200 members across the country and how they help others throughout the year.  - How easy it is to start your own community outreach projects: Tricia says “it’s staggeringly simple” to find something you’re passionate about, get your friends involved, and find ways to support your community.  - How you can help Buffalo Stampede bring holiday magic to foster kid

Some people never wonder what they will be when they grow up, and for some, it’s just a given. If a family member is part of something steeped in history, you tend to want to follow in their footsteps and become part of that legacy. Building and maintaining long-term relationships within your community and with your clients keeps you top of mind. Chris Russo, an attorney and long-time client from Rhode Island, said, “Cultivating and nourishing your existing clients is most important. It makes a difference when they’re comfortable with you.” Chris and Tom talked about how Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum is one of the oldest firms in the state and how marketing is critical to preserving your reputation. Chris said, “Stay in your zone. Know your limitations.” Are you focusing your marketing on your strengths or trying to cover all the bases? Find out why Chris loves living in town rich in character and says clients continually refer friends and family to the firm.

When your family has lived and owned businesses in a city since 1885, your family name becomes well-known. If you decide to continue the family tradition, that history follows you around town. The Frees family is a staple in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania; generations have lived and worked there. Robb Frees, owner of Frees Insurance, said, “We understand the fragility of relationships, why they need to be maintained, and why you need to be honest.” Robb and his brother, Dave, an attorney, talked to Tom about how they’ve been doing business together since they were kids and how they were raised to understand what people around them want and need. Dave said he was introduced in his shop class by the teacher saying, “If a Frees can make a buck, they’ll probably sell you something.” How have you used history and relationships to cement your standing in your community? Find out how Dave and Robb’s involvement has led to years of community support.

The pandemic brought business to a standstill for a lot of doctors. Many shifted to telemedicine visits and looked for other ways to bring in revenue. Email marketing is a key way to stay in touch with your patients, offer your services, and keep them updated on what’s going on in your office. Dr. Marybeth Crane, a Texas podiatrist and long-time FWM client, said, “Resiliency is what gets you through these times because this too shall pass.” Marybeth and Tom talked about how her practice used an email offer to their client list to make up for lost office visit income and how each doctor reached out personally via email to explain all the safety measures they put into place when the office reopened. Marybeth also said, “If you don’t have a great website, you’re dead in the virtual world.” What marketing strategies do you use to stay top of mind? Find out how Marybeth’s ability to adapt and try new things has led to many years of marketing success.

Kia Arian is the owner of Zine, a marketing, design, and printing company based in Fairfax, Virginia. She specializes in direct-response marketing for attorneys and other business owners. She is a long-time friend of Tom Foster and creates a variety of print marketing materials for FWM. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why you should never give up because you never know what’s around the corner: Kia shares the story of how meeting Attorney Ben Glass changed her business—and her life The rules of serendipity: Kia talks about the law of attraction and why all the relationships you form and the networking you do matters The stories behind meeting and working with great marketing minds: Kia shares how she came to know and work with marketing powerhouses, like Dan Kennedy Newsletter secrets everyone should know: Kia gives you the inside scoop on why print newsletters are so important and why your content strategy matters How you can get the Implementation Map: Kia gives you access to her map that details the ma

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving your website to increase its visibility when someone searches for it. SEO can be confusing, so it’s crucial to get it right if you want to rank above your competitors and get more traffic to your site. There’s no shortage of SEO tools on the market, but FWM has one of its own. Matt Tate, business development strategist for FWM, said, “This tool has been simplified and made for people doing DIY work. This is the most focused one I have seen that really, really drives in the organic.” Matt and Tom talked about how the DSS SEO tool is a tracking and diagnostic tool that shows you how to improve your technical and page SEO, and how to rank for your selected keywords. Matt said the SEO tool also analyzes internal links, backlinks, and toxic pages. What are you doing to improve your SEO? Find out what strategies Matt suggests you use to make the most of the SEO tool.

Google is where everyone goes to search for things, no matter what they need. And, now they’re offering very prominent ad space at the top of their search results. This brand new format for local legal services has been around for years in other service industries. Cody Moulton, senior digital marketing strategist for FWM, said, “It would be foolish not to give this a strong consideration.” Cody and Tom talked about the extensive set-up process, including background and license checks, and how advertisers are only charged for calls to their office. Cody says Google wants more people to use their services, instead of legal directories like Avvo and FindLaw. Are you willing to try a new form of advertising? Find out why Cody thinks this new ad format will help lawyers get more leads and more easily track its effectiveness.

If you don’t already know it, content is king in marketing. It’s the key to establishing your brand and connecting with your list. You need to create content that gets attention and draws people in. Michael Monteforte, an estate planning attorney in Massachusetts, said, “I like the content to sound like me. I want my personality to come through.” Michael and Tom talked about how he uses pop culture references and current events to get his message out there and start conversations with potential clients. Michael finds ways to make his copy fun, but he also understands the importance of including real information and a strong call to action in his marketing pieces. How do you make your content stand out? Find out how Michael’s creative copy leads to new cases and referrals.

Content isn’t just all about the written word. Video is also an essential component of a successful content marketing strategy. Don’t just post the videos on your website; put them on YouTube, too. Sean Cuddigan, attorney and long-time client, said, “It doesn’t need to be something that’s perfectly filmed like you do for a commercial for TV.” Sean and his father, Tim, talked to Tom about how they repurpose content from their website for video scripts and set aside one day every quarter to shoot roughly 20 videos. Tim and Sean say it’s really not difficult to do, and it’s pretty inexpensive. Are you creating videos for your website and YouTube? Find out how Tim and Sean’s focus on video marketing has led to thousands of views on YouTube and an increase in leads for their firm.

There are many components to a successful marketing strategy. The first step, though, is to make it a priority. You have to take action and make the decision to go all in. Mark Blane, a San Diego personal injury attorney, said, “Information-based marketing is critical.” Mark and Tom talked about how using book offers to provide in-depth information and the importance of knowing where your leads are coming from are vital parts of the “marketing symphony.” Mark finds success in using book reviews to connect with his list on a more personal level. What do you do to make potential clients see you as more than a lawyer? Find out how Mark’s search for knowledge led him to where he is today.

Great marketing is not enough if your leads aren’t converting to clients. The first impression prospects get of your practice is based on your intake specialists. Those initial conversations are critical to your success. Chris Mullins, phone sales doctor for Intake Specialists Worldwide, said, “What you need to teach your team is every single phone call matters.” Chris and Tom talked about the importance of recording your calls, evaluating them, and making sure your intake team is showing empathy and really listening to your leads. Chris said there’s no sense in spending the money on marketing if you don’t inspect what you expect. Do you listen to and review your phone calls? Find out why Chris says her coaching program is a marketing insurance policy. Not sure if we're emailing this out or not. It went back and forth in the meeting.

To many of us, accounting is all about numbers and analyzing reports. But what if we looked at it as a way to reach our business goals? Many of us just think about accounting as a tool, but we need to understand the purpose behind it. Frank Lunn, president of Kahuna Accounting, said, “Our mission is to really help entrepreneurs utilize accounting as a system.” Frank and Tom talked about how his company helps business owners understand, align, and coordinate what’s important to them, their missions, and their visions. Frank believes this is a more strategic way to use accounting to plan for the future. Are you using your financial reports to their full potential? Find out how Frank’s lack of interest in accounting led him to take a different approach in the field.

Marketing is about experimentation, and you need to take risks and try new things. As new technology emerges, don’t be afraid to test it out and see what works. Your ultimate goal should be to connect with people on a more personal level. Neal Schaffer, president of PDCA Social, said, “Podcasting creates a different intimate relationship that you don’t get on social media.” Neal and Tom talked about how podcasts are great for networking and influencing. Neal said a weekly podcast keeps you top of mind, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Are you willing to go beyond your comfort zone to keep your marketing fresh? Find out why Neal thinks now is the time to start your own podcast.