Think Like a CMO with Sarah Gemmell Thu, 14 May 2026 21:16:10 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2547453 en-us © 2026 Think Like a CMO with Sarah Gemmell yes b61abaab-7c7d-570d-8278-3700d43c0a6c Sarah Gemmell episodic true You’ve done the trainings, joined the masterminds, and taken all the coaching advice… but your marketing still feels like a bunch of disconnected tasks that only sometimes work.


Welcome to Think Like a CMO, the podcast that helps small business owners stop doing random acts of marketing and start thinking like the Chief Marketing Officer their business actually needs.


Hosted by marketing strategist and consultant Sarah Gemmell, this show is all about stepping into your role as the CMO, so you can see your marketing from a higher level, connect the dots across your channels, and build a cleaner, more profitable marketing ecosystem.


You’ll learn how to tighten your strategy, clarify your messaging, map smarter funnels, and show up with more confidence without turning marketing into a full-time job. Because you are the CMO for your business right now and it’s time to start leading like one.



]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Sarah Gemmell https://storage.buzzsprout.com/ulsxdmb9frewm81ytudpydsfgu4f?.jpg Think Like a CMO with Sarah Gemmell The Four-Part Marketing System That Creates Predictable Leads The Four-Part Marketing System That Creates Predictable Leads We break down the four-part marketing system we use to build predictable lead flow without chasing trends or busy work. We explain how to spot the real bottleneck in your pipeline so you stop making emotional changes and start making data-based decisions. 
• why a signature process makes marketing tangible without rigid steps 
• the Attract stage and consistent visibility with the right audience 
• the Nurture stage and what trust building actually looks like 
• how Instagram, TikTok, and email function differently in the pipeline 
• Convert as sales plus micro conversions that happen before buying 
• outbound outreach, follow-up, and having more real conversations 
• Optimize through KPIs, tracking trends over time, and avoiding panic pivots 
• diagnosing website performance by separating conversion rate from traffic volume 


Connect with me on Instagram and TikTok

Book a free clarity call with me here to discuss your marketing: https://sarahjeanco.com/clarity-call

Want to get email updates when new episodes drop and special deals on marketing support? Subscribe here

Learn more about how we can help you with psychology-led Marketing & Messaging 

NOTE: we are not currently accepting pitches for guests 


]]> We break down the four-part marketing system we use to build predictable lead flow without chasing trends or busy work. We explain how to spot the real bottleneck in your pipeline so you stop making emotional changes and start making data-based decisions. 
• why a signature process makes marketing tangible without rigid steps 
• the Attract stage and consistent visibility with the right audience 
• the Nurture stage and what trust building actually looks like 
• how Instagram, TikTok, and email function differently in the pipeline 
• Convert as sales plus micro conversions that happen before buying 
• outbound outreach, follow-up, and having more real conversations 
• Optimize through KPIs, tracking trends over time, and avoiding panic pivots 
• diagnosing website performance by separating conversion rate from traffic volume 


Connect with me on Instagram and TikTok

Book a free clarity call with me here to discuss your marketing: https://sarahjeanco.com/clarity-call

Want to get email updates when new episodes drop and special deals on marketing support? Subscribe here

Learn more about how we can help you with psychology-led Marketing & Messaging 

NOTE: we are not currently accepting pitches for guests 


]]> Sarah Gemmell Buzzsprout-19180064 Thu, 14 May 2026 21:00:00 -0400 1320 1 7 full false what will and won't give you a quick cash injection what will and won't give you a quick cash injection I’m pushing back hard on that instinct, because when cash flow is tight, your priority isn’t prettier marketing. Your priority is leads, sales conversations, and a clear conversion plan you can run right now.

I walk you through what to pause first (hiring, heavy tech, endless automations, and building a brand-new offer) and what to do instead to stabilize revenue fast. We talk client retention strategies that create immediate wins, how to rekindle warm leads and past clients without sounding desperate, and how to sell more often without being spammy. You’ll hear the difference between inbound marketing and outbound lead generation, plus practical ways to restart outreach through DMs, email, and direct follow-up when your pipeline feels “dry” but probably isn’t.

Then we shift into the Think Like a CMO mindset that changes everything: stop asking how to grow and start asking how to convert with what you already have. I also share a simple weekly checklist to identify your warmest leads, tighten your messaging and calls to action, and start new conversations that lead somewhere. When revenue stabilizes, you get the breathing room to invest in long-term growth like a rebrand, a new website, and better systems without making reactive decisions.

If you want a calm, strategic marketing plan for the next 7 days, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a business friend who needs it, and leave a review so more small business owners can find the show.

Connect with me on Instagram and TikTok

Book a free clarity call with me here to discuss your marketing: https://sarahjeanco.com/clarity-call

Want to get email updates when new episodes drop and special deals on marketing support? Subscribe here

Learn more about how we can help you with psychology-led Marketing & Messaging 

NOTE: we are not currently accepting pitches for guests 


]]> I’m pushing back hard on that instinct, because when cash flow is tight, your priority isn’t prettier marketing. Your priority is leads, sales conversations, and a clear conversion plan you can run right now.

I walk you through what to pause first (hiring, heavy tech, endless automations, and building a brand-new offer) and what to do instead to stabilize revenue fast. We talk client retention strategies that create immediate wins, how to rekindle warm leads and past clients without sounding desperate, and how to sell more often without being spammy. You’ll hear the difference between inbound marketing and outbound lead generation, plus practical ways to restart outreach through DMs, email, and direct follow-up when your pipeline feels “dry” but probably isn’t.

Then we shift into the Think Like a CMO mindset that changes everything: stop asking how to grow and start asking how to convert with what you already have. I also share a simple weekly checklist to identify your warmest leads, tighten your messaging and calls to action, and start new conversations that lead somewhere. When revenue stabilizes, you get the breathing room to invest in long-term growth like a rebrand, a new website, and better systems without making reactive decisions.

If you want a calm, strategic marketing plan for the next 7 days, hit play, then subscribe, share this with a business friend who needs it, and leave a review so more small business owners can find the show.

Connect with me on Instagram and TikTok

Book a free clarity call with me here to discuss your marketing: https://sarahjeanco.com/clarity-call

Want to get email updates when new episodes drop and special deals on marketing support? Subscribe here

Learn more about how we can help you with psychology-led Marketing & Messaging 

NOTE: we are not currently accepting pitches for guests 


]]> Sarah Gemmell Buzzsprout-19122568 Mon, 04 May 2026 13:00:00 -0400 1051 full false Listen to this when your marketing feels chaotic and without direction Listen to this when your marketing feels chaotic and without direction We stop treating marketing like a grab bag of ideas and start running it like a system that creates predictable leads. I walk through how to think like the CMO of your business so your content, messaging, funnel, and metrics all work together. 
• spotting random acts of marketing and why they create unreliable lead flow 
• understanding why old tactics stop working as the market and buyer behavior shift 
• using an Attract Nurture Convert system to build sustainable lead generation 
• revisiting your offer, target audience, and the real problem you solve 
• tightening messaging and positioning by getting specific about who you serve 
• making sure every piece of content has a purpose in the pipeline 
• choosing a primary KPI and tracking the metrics that actually feed it 
• building a simple funnel from visibility to nurture to a conversion event 
• cutting productive busy work and prioritizing high impact marketing tasks 

If this episode helped you think about your marketing in a new way, I want you to go ahead and follow the show so you don't miss any more episodes. 
And if you're really ready to tighten up your marketing strategy and to create a plan that actually works in generating leads consistently with dream clients, check out the free resources or book a clarity call using the links right in the show notes. 


Connect with me on Instagram and TikTok

Book a free clarity call with me here to discuss your marketing: https://sarahjeanco.com/clarity-call

Want to get email updates when new episodes drop and special deals on marketing support? Subscribe here

Learn more about how we can help you with psychology-led Marketing & Messaging 

NOTE: we are not currently accepting pitches for guests 


]]> We stop treating marketing like a grab bag of ideas and start running it like a system that creates predictable leads. I walk through how to think like the CMO of your business so your content, messaging, funnel, and metrics all work together. 
• spotting random acts of marketing and why they create unreliable lead flow 
• understanding why old tactics stop working as the market and buyer behavior shift 
• using an Attract Nurture Convert system to build sustainable lead generation 
• revisiting your offer, target audience, and the real problem you solve 
• tightening messaging and positioning by getting specific about who you serve 
• making sure every piece of content has a purpose in the pipeline 
• choosing a primary KPI and tracking the metrics that actually feed it 
• building a simple funnel from visibility to nurture to a conversion event 
• cutting productive busy work and prioritizing high impact marketing tasks 

If this episode helped you think about your marketing in a new way, I want you to go ahead and follow the show so you don't miss any more episodes. 
And if you're really ready to tighten up your marketing strategy and to create a plan that actually works in generating leads consistently with dream clients, check out the free resources or book a clarity call using the links right in the show notes. 


Connect with me on Instagram and TikTok

Book a free clarity call with me here to discuss your marketing: https://sarahjeanco.com/clarity-call

Want to get email updates when new episodes drop and special deals on marketing support? Subscribe here

Learn more about how we can help you with psychology-led Marketing & Messaging 

NOTE: we are not currently accepting pitches for guests 


]]> Sarah Gemmell Buzzsprout-19116571 Sun, 03 May 2026 17:00:00 -0400 1187 1 6 full false Turn lurkers into leads Turn lurkers into leads You’re posting, educating, and showing up consistently and somehow your revenue still feels like a coin flip. Meanwhile, the same names keep popping up in your Instagram Story views and the same people keep opening your emails. Those lurkers are not “cold” and they are not proof your marketing is broken. They’re usually undecided, and your content is missing the pieces that help them feel clear, safe, and ready to move. 

We walk through the practical marketing strategy shifts I use with clients to turn warm audiences into leads and paying customers. We talk about why timing matters more than most entrepreneurs want to admit, how to create nurture content that speaks directly to the people already watching, and how to answer real objections without sounding pushy. You’ll also learn how to rotate sales angles so you reach more buyer motivations, from results and relief to identity, efficiency, and safety, especially in a market where trust is harder to earn. 

Don't forget to subscribe, share this with a business friend who has “lots of views but no sales”, and leave a review so more entrepreneurs can find the show.

READY FOR MARKETING SUPPORT?

We offer done with you strategy consulting where you or your team implement the strategy we custom build for you or full done for you services to get it off your plate completely so you and your team can stay in your zone of genius.

Check out services here: https://sarahjeanco.com/services

Book a free clarity call to find the perfect fit option: https://sarahjeanco.com/clarity-call

Connect with me on Instagram and TikTok

Book a free clarity call with me here to discuss your marketing: https://sarahjeanco.com/clarity-call

Want to get email updates when new episodes drop and special deals on marketing support? Subscribe here

Learn more about how we can help you with psychology-led Marketing & Messaging 

NOTE: we are not currently accepting pitches for guests 


]]> You’re posting, educating, and showing up consistently and somehow your revenue still feels like a coin flip. Meanwhile, the same names keep popping up in your Instagram Story views and the same people keep opening your emails. Those lurkers are not “cold” and they are not proof your marketing is broken. They’re usually undecided, and your content is missing the pieces that help them feel clear, safe, and ready to move. 

We walk through the practical marketing strategy shifts I use with clients to turn warm audiences into leads and paying customers. We talk about why timing matters more than most entrepreneurs want to admit, how to create nurture content that speaks directly to the people already watching, and how to answer real objections without sounding pushy. You’ll also learn how to rotate sales angles so you reach more buyer motivations, from results and relief to identity, efficiency, and safety, especially in a market where trust is harder to earn. 

Don't forget to subscribe, share this with a business friend who has “lots of views but no sales”, and leave a review so more entrepreneurs can find the show.

READY FOR MARKETING SUPPORT?

We offer done with you strategy consulting where you or your team implement the strategy we custom build for you or full done for you services to get it off your plate completely so you and your team can stay in your zone of genius.

Check out services here: https://sarahjeanco.com/services

Book a free clarity call to find the perfect fit option: https://sarahjeanco.com/clarity-call

Connect with me on Instagram and TikTok

Book a free clarity call with me here to discuss your marketing: https://sarahjeanco.com/clarity-call

Want to get email updates when new episodes drop and special deals on marketing support? Subscribe here

Learn more about how we can help you with psychology-led Marketing & Messaging 

NOTE: we are not currently accepting pitches for guests 


]]> Sarah Gemmell Buzzsprout-19002971 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400 1254 1 5 full true 3 marketing psychology principles to make them remember you 3 marketing psychology principles to make them remember you Your marketing is no good if they don't remember you! Your marketing needs to position you as the go to expert in your field and get them to remember you when the time comes for them to swipe that pretty little credit card! This is relevant for clients, customers, and referral partners! 


Thanks for being here! Make sure to subscribe and leave a review if you found this helpful. Your review allows for us to reach more small business owners that need marketing support! 

FREE RESOURCES:

- get your free copy of the Growth Driven Marketing Calendar for the exact break down of what to focus on in your marketing each day, week, and month: https://sarahjeanco.com/marketing-calendar 

- take the Marketing Gap Finder quiz of exactly where you are currently leaking leads: https://sarahjeanco.com/mg-quiz

SEE UPCOMING EVENTS:

https://sarahjeanco.com/events 

Connect with me on Instagram and TikTok

Book a free clarity call with me here to discuss your marketing: https://sarahjeanco.com/clarity-call

Want to get email updates when new episodes drop and special deals on marketing support? Subscribe here

Learn more about how we can help you with psychology-led Marketing & Messaging 

NOTE: we are not currently accepting pitches for guests 


]]> Your marketing is no good if they don't remember you! Your marketing needs to position you as the go to expert in your field and get them to remember you when the time comes for them to swipe that pretty little credit card! This is relevant for clients, customers, and referral partners! 


Thanks for being here! Make sure to subscribe and leave a review if you found this helpful. Your review allows for us to reach more small business owners that need marketing support! 

FREE RESOURCES:

- get your free copy of the Growth Driven Marketing Calendar for the exact break down of what to focus on in your marketing each day, week, and month: https://sarahjeanco.com/marketing-calendar 

- take the Marketing Gap Finder quiz of exactly where you are currently leaking leads: https://sarahjeanco.com/mg-quiz

SEE UPCOMING EVENTS:

https://sarahjeanco.com/events 

Connect with me on Instagram and TikTok

Book a free clarity call with me here to discuss your marketing: https://sarahjeanco.com/clarity-call

Want to get email updates when new episodes drop and special deals on marketing support? Subscribe here

Learn more about how we can help you with psychology-led Marketing & Messaging 

NOTE: we are not currently accepting pitches for guests 


]]> Sarah Gemmell Buzzsprout-18966932 Sun, 05 Apr 2026 21:00:00 -0400 610 1 4 full false Create a higher converting email funnel Create a higher converting email funnel Let's dive into what makes your emails convert more! Email marketing is very much alive.. AND the market has shifted aaloootttt. Buyers are behaving differently and so are spam filters...

Connect with me on Instagram and TikTok

Book a free clarity call with me here to discuss your marketing: https://sarahjeanco.com/clarity-call

Want to get email updates when new episodes drop and special deals on marketing support? Subscribe here

Learn more about how we can help you with psychology-led Marketing & Messaging 

NOTE: we are not currently accepting pitches for guests 


]]> Let's dive into what makes your emails convert more! Email marketing is very much alive.. AND the market has shifted aaloootttt. Buyers are behaving differently and so are spam filters...

Connect with me on Instagram and TikTok

Book a free clarity call with me here to discuss your marketing: https://sarahjeanco.com/clarity-call

Want to get email updates when new episodes drop and special deals on marketing support? Subscribe here

Learn more about how we can help you with psychology-led Marketing & Messaging 

NOTE: we are not currently accepting pitches for guests 


]]> Sarah Gemmell Buzzsprout-18920802 Sat, 28 Mar 2026 22:00:00 -0400 1429 1 3 full false Top 3 Marketing Mistakes I see Small Business Owners Make All the Time Top 3 Marketing Mistakes I see Small Business Owners Make All the Time Want more visibility to the right people? More dream clients lined up to work with you or buy your product? Make sure to fix these 3 things that could be holding you back!

Connect with me on Instagram and TikTok

Book a free clarity call with me here to discuss your marketing: https://sarahjeanco.com/clarity-call

Want to get email updates when new episodes drop and special deals on marketing support? Subscribe here

Learn more about how we can help you with psychology-led Marketing & Messaging 

NOTE: we are not currently accepting pitches for guests 


]]> Want more visibility to the right people? More dream clients lined up to work with you or buy your product? Make sure to fix these 3 things that could be holding you back!

Connect with me on Instagram and TikTok

Book a free clarity call with me here to discuss your marketing: https://sarahjeanco.com/clarity-call

Want to get email updates when new episodes drop and special deals on marketing support? Subscribe here

Learn more about how we can help you with psychology-led Marketing & Messaging 

NOTE: we are not currently accepting pitches for guests 


]]> Sarah Buzzsprout-18920787 Sat, 28 Mar 2026 22:00:00 -0400 808 full false What does it mean to actually think like a CMO? What does it mean to actually think like a CMO? It's time to stop letting meta dictate your marketing and start thinking BIGGER, looking at the whole picture of your marketing and creating a marketing ecosystem. This episode dives into exactly what that shift means for you and your business. 

Connect with me on Instagram and TikTok

Book a free clarity call with me here to discuss your marketing: https://sarahjeanco.com/clarity-call

Want to get email updates when new episodes drop and special deals on marketing support? Subscribe here

Learn more about how we can help you with psychology-led Marketing & Messaging 

NOTE: we are not currently accepting pitches for guests 


]]> It's time to stop letting meta dictate your marketing and start thinking BIGGER, looking at the whole picture of your marketing and creating a marketing ecosystem. This episode dives into exactly what that shift means for you and your business. 

Connect with me on Instagram and TikTok

Book a free clarity call with me here to discuss your marketing: https://sarahjeanco.com/clarity-call

Want to get email updates when new episodes drop and special deals on marketing support? Subscribe here

Learn more about how we can help you with psychology-led Marketing & Messaging 

NOTE: we are not currently accepting pitches for guests 


]]> Sarah Buzzsprout-18920698 Sat, 28 Mar 2026 22:00:00 -0400 741 1 1 full false