The Brand Mixology Podcast

LinkedIn Personal Branding: What's Actually Working in 2026

If you've ever wondered whether LinkedIn is actually worth your time as a founder or business owner — this episode is your answer. Jack Longman, founder of B2B personal branding agency Social Advantage, joins Claire to break down exactly what's working on LinkedIn right now, why AI search is changing everything, and how to build a presence that converts without feeling gross about it. From his unexpected backstory (punk rock touring musician to LinkedIn strategist) to the practical frameworks he uses with clients every day, this is one you'll want to listen to with a notebook open. IN THIS EPISODE [00:00] Introductions — and the Jaws poster origin story [01:00] Jack's journey: from punk rock touring musician to running a personal branding agency — and why the band van was actually a masterclass in business [06:30] Why LinkedIn is the platform of choice for B2B service businesses, and how to think about it as "a networking event that's happening 24/7" [09:00] AI and content: why using AI as a shortcut is damaging credibility on LinkedIn — and how to use it properly as a tool, not a replacement for your voice [11:00] The big shift: how people are now finding businesses through ChatGPT, Claude and AI-powered Google summaries instead of traditional search — and what that means for your LinkedIn strategy [13:00] SEO vs GEO: optimising your profile so both humans and AI can find you and understand what you do [16:00] Audience Q&A begins — questions sourced from LinkedIn and Instagram [16:30] Do you need to know a lot to get started on LinkedIn? — why learning by doing beats waiting until you're ready [18:00] I'm awful at staying consistent — how do I show up without burning out? — why posting once a week IS consistency, and how batching changes everything [20:00] Overcoming the "feeling gross" barrier — the mindset shift that makes posting feel less like self-promotion [21:30] What are founders getting wrong on LinkedIn right now? — profile basics, positioning, content pillars, and why not being social on social media is the biggest mistake [25:00] Vanity metrics vs. the metrics that actually matter — why profile views are the most underrated stat on the platform [28:30] How do small businesses get traction when bigger companies seem to dominate? — why trying to out-produce them is the wrong strategy entirely [30:30] What's the best way to find your ideal clients on LinkedIn? — mapping your network, finding introducers, and the QR code trick for networking events [34:30] How do you go from connection to client? — the WhatsApp approach to DMs and why "no response is a response" [37:00] Using the Open to Work function — visibility settings, what LinkedIn pushes, and how to use content to help your search [40:00] Is LinkedIn Premium and verification worth it? — an honest answer [42:00] Social media pods — why LinkedIn will penalise you for them and why they undermine your strategy anyway [45:30] The question on the LinkedIn gender bias debate — Jack's honest take [48:30] Brand Mixology: what Jack would put in the cocktail shaker (personality) and what he'd put on ice (spam pitching in the DMs) [51:00] Where to find Jack and how to get his free guide FREE RESOURCES From Jack: Download his free guide — "How to Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile So Claude and ChatGPT Can Find You" Connect with Jack on LinkedIn and ask him for it directly, or grab it via the link below. Dowload here [https://socialadvantage.co.uk/linkedin-positioning-guide-for-the-age-of-ai/] From Claire: Not sure if your personal brand is actually working for your business? Take the free assessment: Is Your Personal Brand Helping Your Business Grow? Start here CONNECT WITH JACK * LinkedIn: Jack Longman, Founder of Social Advantage * Instagram: @jackl0ngman (zero not O) * Website: socialadvantage.co.uk [https://socialadvantage.co.uk] * All socials: @socialadv0ntage (zero not O) CONNECT WITH CLAIRE * Website: brandmixology.co [https://brandmixology.com] * LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/iamclairemarshall [https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamclairemarshall] * Instagram: @iamclairemarshall [https://www.instagram.com/iamclairemarshall/] KEY TAKEAWAYS * LinkedIn is no longer just a job board — it's the platform people visit before making a commercial decision about you * 8 out of 10 of Jack's recent leads found him via AI-powered search (ChatGPT or Google AI summaries) — your profile needs to be optimised for machines, not just humans * Consistency doesn't mean posting daily — once a week, sustained, beats a burst and burnout every time * Profile views are a more meaningful metric than likes — someone checking your profile has taken a real next step * Don't pitch in the DMs. Sell the conversation, not the product * People buy people. Personality is the strategy

Rewrite Your Money Story: What Every Female Founder Must Hear

Are you a female founder ready to smash through your income ceiling? In this International Women's Day special, Claire is joined by the incredible Tracey, a money mentor who is revolutionising how women approach their finances. If you've ever felt that your relationship with money is holding you back, this episode is your call to action. Tracey shares her powerful journey from language graduate to finance expert, and how her own experiences with perimenopause and limiting money beliefs led her to create a system that empowers female founders to achieve record revenues. This conversation is a masterclass in understanding and transforming your money mindset for women. We delve into why so many talented female entrepreneurs struggle with charging your worth, often undervaluing their vast experience and overdelivering for clients. Tracey breaks down how our childhood experiences shape our financial behaviours and provides actionable strategies to identify and eradicate the limiting money beliefs that are sabotaging your success. It’s time to stop playing small and start building the business and life you truly deserve. We also explore the crucial link between menopause and money, a topic that is so often overlooked. Tracey explains how hormonal changes can impact your risk tolerance and financial decisions, and why the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs are women in their late 40s and 50s. This episode is packed with wisdom on building financial resilience, the power of community, and the importance of having a clear vision for your future. Get ready to feel inspired, empowered, and equipped with the tools to rewrite your money story. Tune in to discover Tracey’s unique ‘TRACEY’ system for success, learn how to reframe your language around money, and find out why resilience is the secret ingredient for every successful female founder. Don't forget to check out the links below to connect with Tracey and access the incredible resources mentioned in the show. Key Moment Timestamps: (01:00) Meet Tracey: From Language Graduate to Money Mentor (07:05) What Are Limiting Money Beliefs & How Do They Hold Us Back? (10:50) The Power of Language: How to Reframe Your Money Story (25:15) Menopause & Money: The Unspoken Link for Female Founders (32:15) The Tenacity of Female Entrepreneurs & The Power of Community (39:50) Tracey's Word for the Cocktail of Success: Resilience (42:10) The 'TRACEY' System: A Framework for Financial Success Connect with Tracey and Claire Connect with Tracey on her website https://menomoney.co.uk/ And download her free framework to receive you very own blank check here https://request-cheque-by-post-gsxsesz.gamma.site/ Connect with Claire on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamclairemarshall/

The 4 Words That Will Transform Your Sales

Stop overcomplicating your sales calls. If you’ve ever felt that "sales" is a dirty word or struggled to explain exactly what you do to a potential client, this episode is for you. Claire sits down with James Newell, the expert behind "Clear Sales Message", to decode why most businesses fail at the first hurdle of sales communication. James shares his journey from managing £600 million in corporate accounts to teaching entrepreneurs how to sell with honesty and integrity. We dive deep into the buying psychology that drives decisions, exploring why your potential customers might not be connecting the dots between your features and their needs. James explains the "False Consensus Effect" and how it sabotages your sales messaging strategy by assuming everyone sees the world from your perspective. You’ll learn how to bridge the gap between what you offer and why your customer should actually care, using simple, actionable frameworks that remove the "sleaze" from the process. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this conversation will help you build a clear sales message that resonates. We discuss the importance of "trigger points" in the sales process simplification and how to stay at the forefront of your audience's mind without being offensive or pushy. It’s time to stop selling and start helping your customers buy. KEY MOMENT TIMESTAMPS 1. (01:00) - The transition from corporate sales to teaching the "Clear Sales Message" methodology. 2. (05:30) - Understanding the False Consensus Effect: Why people don't understand what you do. 3. (07:45) - Bridging the gap: Using "What that means is..." to connect features to benefits. 4. (11:30) - Why your business name is the start of your sales conversation. 5. (16:45) - The "Burden of Proof": Why it's your responsibility to make the case for your product. 6. (24:30) - Identifying trigger points: Finding customers at the exact moment they need you. 7. (31:00) - The power of short-form content in building long-term sales trust. Connect with James 1. James Newell’s Website: https://www.clearsalesmessage.com/ 2. Clear Sales Message Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5aKEZBlYjarDvsACnMDU6A?si=6efcdbd2c34c4bd9 3. James on LInkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesnewelluk/ Connect with Claire

Why Your Marketing Isn’t Working (And How to Fix It)

Ever feel like you’re doing all the marketing things but nothing seems to land? More posts. More emails. More effort. Still no momentum. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking “marketing just doesn’t work for my business”, this episode is for you. In this conversation, Claire is joined by Ben Miller, a B2B marketing expert and Fractional Lead with over 20 years’ experience across agency, in-house and consultancy roles. Ben unpacks the viral LinkedIn post that struck a nerve with founders and marketers alike and explains why marketing usually isn’t broken… but how it’s being approached often is. Together, they explore what a truly customer‑centric marketing strategy looks like, why treating every interaction like a sales pitch quietly kills trust, and how unrealistic expectations sabotage long‑term marketing ROI. Ben also shares why marketing patience is essential (especially in B2B), how to build stronger agency relationships, and when it might be time to bring in a Fractional CMO. If you want a calmer, smarter, more sustainable approach to growth — one that supports both your business and your life — hit play. KEY MOMENT TIMESTAMPS (00:00) – Ben’s background: agency, in‑house, consultancy & why variety matters (02:00) – Why hiring only from your industry limits growth (04:00) – “Marketing doesn’t work”: the LinkedIn post that sparked this episode (08:10) – The Life’s a Pitch mistake: why always selling pushes people away (09:55) – The 3–5% rule: how B2B buying actually works (12:20) – Marketing vs sales: understanding their different roles (18:10) – Why patience is essential in B2B marketing (25:30) – Agencies as partners, not suppliers (29:20) – When founder‑led marketing starts to break down (31:40) – What a Fractional CMO really does (and when you need one) (34:40) – Strategy vs tactics: why skipping strategy costs you more (37:10) – Measuring the right KPIs (and avoiding panic metrics) (40:20) – Persistence, procrastination & Ben’s success cocktail Connect with us Ben LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/benmillermarketing/ Ben website https://www.benmillermarketing.co.uk/ Claire LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamclairemarshall/ Claire website https://brandmixology.co/

Visibility That Converts: PR, Credibility, and Growth in the Age of AI

VISIBILITY THAT CONVERTS: PR, CREDIBILITY, AND GROWTH IN THE AGE OF AI with Victoria Usher, Founder of GingerMay PR is often seen as something you do once you’ve “made it”. But what if visibility isn’t the reward… what if it’s part of the growth engine itself? In this episode of Brand Mixology, Claire sits down with Victoria Usher, founder of the multi award-winning PR agency GingerMay, to explore what PR really is today, when it works, when it doesn’t, and how founders can think about visibility in a way that actually supports sustainable growth. With 16 years of experience building and scaling her own agency, Victoria brings a rare dual perspective. She understands PR not just as a communications discipline, but as a strategic lever that only works when the foundations of a business are right. This is a grounded, honest conversation about timing, focus, leadership, and why PR can amplify a business, but never fix one. IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER: 1. What PR actually is today and how it has evolved beyond press releases 2. Why timing matters more than tactics when it comes to PR 3. The biggest signals that a business is not ready for PR yet 4. How PR should sit within a wider growth strategy, not alongside it 5. When visibility supports sales and when it becomes a distraction 6. How founders can prepare for PR before hiring an agency 7. Whether PR is something you can do yourself in the early stages 8. The growing role of PR in GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) and AI search 9. Why credibility, trust, and quality sources matter more than ever 10. What sustainable growth really looks like after scaling too fast 11. Victoria’s success “ingredient” and what founders should put on ice A STANDOUT INSIGHT PR doesn’t create credibility. It amplifies it. When the messaging, audience clarity, product, and sales foundations are in place, PR can accelerate growth dramatically. When they’re not, it simply magnifies the cracks. That’s why saying “not yet” is sometimes the most responsible advice an agency can give. Find Victoria Visit teamgingermay.com [http://teamgingermay.com/] Connect https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-usher-a3013a9/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-usher-a3013a9/] Find Claire Visit www.brandmixology.co Connect https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamclairemarshall/