2026 Marketing Predictions

Vespers, Video Marketing, and Making Sales While You Sleep

Want a marketing asset that builds customer relationships and closes sales 24/7—even while you sleep? It’s time to shake things up. In this episode of Thousand Proof, Zach and Madison fix a classic Vesper Martini (the legendary James Bond cocktail) and tackle the modern mandate of video marketing. Over 90% of companies are actively investing in video and if you aren’t, you are actively giving away your market share. We break down the cognitive psychology of why video converts better than text, how to start with just your phone, and the exact moment your business needs to graduate to a professional production agency.The Triple Shot: * Low Brain Calories: Why video acts as a "moving picture book" that allows consumers to absorb your message without burning mental energy. * The 24/7 Relationship Builder: How to leverage video as a scalable asset that introduces your brand, builds authority, and nurtures leads around the clock. * The Premium Upgrade Threshold: The real numbers that dictate when phone quality cuts it and when you must invest in high-end production to match your price point. Stick around until the very end for the single most overlooked visual element that can make or break your video's click-through rate before a viewer even hits play. Check out our free resources library on our website! https://www.thousandlumens.com/resources [https://www.thousandlumens.com/resources] Connect with us at thousandlumens.com, on social media, and on our Substack. [https://thousandlumens.substack.com/] Follow Thousand Lumens Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThousandLumens/ [https://www.facebook.com/ThousandLumens/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thousandlumens/ [https://www.instagram.com/thousandlumens/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thousand-lumens/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thousand-lumens/] Connect with Madison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-hohn06/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-hohn06/] Connect with Zach on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-strenger-4116951a2/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-strenger-4116951a2/]

Brambles, Branding, and Building Loyalty

Branding isn’t just your logo, it’s the way your customers recognize, remember, and trust you. Are you giving them a consistent experience?   In this episode of Thousand Proof, Madison and Zach stir up a refreshing Bramble while breaking down what really makes a brand. From the emotional symbolism of your logo, to a strategic messaging framework, we discuss how to find your voice and use it consistently. If you want to turn people from strangers to brand loyalists, the next 15 minutes will guide you through what it takes to build brand equity that truly lasts.You'll learn: * Beyond the Logo: Why your voice, tone, and messaging are the "spirit" of your brand. * Your Messaging Framework: Navigating the 7 core pieces of a message where the customer is always the hero. * The Consistency Challenge: How a simple commitment to your brand colors and fonts for 90 days can radically increase your market trust. * Stick around for the "Brand Bible" tip that ensures your entire team is speaking the same language, from social captions to high-end ads. Connect with us at thousandlumens.com [http://thousandlumens.com], on social media, and on our Substack. [⁠https://substack.com/@thousandlumens] Follow Thousand Lumens Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/ThousandLumens] ⁠ ⁠LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/thousand-lumens] ⁠ ⁠Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/thousandlumens/⁠] ⁠   Check out free resources at thousandlumens.com/resources [thousandlumens.com/resources]_____________________________________________________________Sources: Storybrand.com [https://storybrand.com/]

Slings, Sales, and Marketing Funnels

What do a vintage cocktail and a high-performing marketing strategy have in common? They both rely on three essential ingredients.  The Pour: In this episode of Thousand Proof, Zach is joined by Kit Kiefer to discuss why the "funnel" isn't just a buzzword—it's the backbone of your business. If your content feels like a wasted investment or just noise, it’s likely because you’re missing a destination. We’re breaking down the psychology of the customer journey and how to ensure every video or blog post serves a specific purpose. Key Take Aways:   * Know, Like, Trust: Breaking down the three pillars of a content funnel and how to move prospects from curiosity to commitment. * The "Mission Film" Strategy: Create a master video that can be repurposed into a dozen different assets across every stage of your funnel. * Content with Intent: Why you need to understand the "Why" behind your marketing before you ever hit record.   Download a FREE marketing funnel scorecard [https://www.thousandlumens.com/marketingfunnelscorecard]to see how you're utilizing or underutilizing the marketing funnel in your current marketing efforts.  "Last Call" Tip: where we discuss why social proof and Impact Films might be the missing ingredient to closing your next big sale. * The Cocktail Connection: A "Sling" is a simple 3-ingredient drink, much like the 3-stage marketing funnel. * Stop the "One-Video Myth": One video won't make you a millionaire overnight. You need a series of assets that guide the customer. * The Power of Video: Even for a professional writer of 50 years (like Kit!), video remains the most powerful way to build trust quickly. * The "Last Call" Tip: Use social proof and testimonials as your "bottom of the funnel" closer.   Timestamps: * 0:00 — The First Pour: Meet Zach and guest, Kit Kiefer. * 0:34 — What is a "Sling"? The history of the cocktail and how it mirrors a perfect funnel. * 2:10 — The "I Don't Care" Moment: Why traditional sales methods are failing in 2026. * 4:05 — The One-Video Myth: Why "going viral" isn't a business strategy. * 5:12 — The 3-Ingredient Funnel: Breaking down Know You, Like You, and Trust You. * 7:45 — Top of Funnel: How to cast a broad net (The Chainsaw Analogy). * 10:30 — The "Mission Film": Creating one master asset to fuel your entire strategy. * 13:15 — Last Call: Closing the sale with social proof and impact stories. * 14:40 — Final Toast: Keeping your marketing human and natural. You can learn more about Thousand Lumens and the services we have offered here: ⁠thousandlumens.com [https://www.thousandlumens.com/] Connect with Zach on LinkedIn: [https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=c5c2f938e4e3d971e2ecc58c09e3980bbeb67a4e295be5547c36feedaeea22bfJmltdHM9MTc3NDkxNTIwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=337c9848-6c3e-6d78-0cb8-8eb36db26cb8&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tL2luL3phY2gtc3RyZW5nZXItNDExNjk1MWEy] Connect with Madison on LinkedIn: [⁠linkedin.com/in/madison-hohn06⁠] Connect with Kit on LinkedIn: [⁠linkedin.com/in/kit-kiefer-b2a2644⁠] Follow Thousand Lumens Facebook: [⁠https://www.facebook.com/ThousandLumens] ⁠LinkedIn: [⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/thousand-lumens] ⁠Instagram: [⁠https://www.instagram.com/thousandlumens/⁠] Substack: [⁠https://substack.com/@thousandlumens]

2026 Marketing Predictions

We're almost through the first quarter of 2026, but you never know what the rest of the year might hold. In this episode, we're joined by Kit Kiefer, a marketing professional and professor of marketing and AI at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, and we will be discussing our predictions for the marketing landscape, including social media, budgeting, and the use of artificial intelligence. If you have any topics that you would like to be discussed or explored, drop them in the comments! You can learn more about Thousand Lumens and the services we have offered here: ⁠thousandlumens.com Connect with Zach on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/zach-strenger-4116951a2 Connect with Madison on LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/madison-hohn06⁠ Connect with Kit on LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/kit-kiefer-b2a2644⁠ Follow Thousand Lumens Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/ThousandLumens ⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/thousand-lumens ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thousandlumens/⁠Substack: ⁠https://substack.com/@thousandlumens ⁠References: 2024 Social Media Content Strategy Report. (2024). https://media.sproutsocial.com/uploads/2024/09/Network-Content-Strategy-Data-Report-Final.pdf Gulati, R., Nohria, N., & Wohlgezogen, F. (2010, March 1). Roaring out of recession. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2010/03/roaring-out-of-recession Holland, T., & Katzin, J. (2022, December 13). Beyond the downturn: Recession strategies to take the lead. Bain. https://www.bain.com/insights/beyond-the-downturn-recession-strategies-to-take-the-lead/ Inc., H. (n.d.). Press releases. Hootsuite Launches Social Media Trends 2024 Report. https://www.hootsuite.com/newsroom/press-releases/hootsuite-unveils-the-trends-that-keep-on-trending-for-social-marketers?srsltid=AfmBOorXOmHiT5J--puwoF6T8CPg8zlHLvyK6h4RsC2oBm3OKUByYwTq When the going gets tough, the tough don’t skimp on their AD budgets. Knowledge at Wharton. (2008, November 26). https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/podcast/knowledge-at-wharton-podcast/when-the-going-gets-tough-the-tough-dont-skimp-on-their-ad-budgets/