Nikki Rausch is the Founder and CEO of Sales Maven, a coaching and training company helping women entrepreneurs and business leaders master authentic sales conversations. With over 25 years of sales experience, she has sold to organizations like The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Hewlett-Packard, and NASA. Nikki also holds a Master Certification in neuro-linguistic programming, has written three books, and hosts the Sales Maven Podcast, which is ranked in the top 1% globally.

In this episode…

Sales conversations can feel awkward or inauthentic, and entrepreneurs’ fear of being too pushy or facing rejection may make them hesitate during the close. How can service-based professionals overcome this discomfort and lead sales conversations that feel natural and yield results?

Sales coach and trainer Nikki Rausch has developed a five-step selling framework to help sellers build rapport, guide clients through the buying process, and issue invitations to close without pressure. The strategy involves utilizing techniques like matching and mirroring to increase likeability and credibility and crafting discovery questions, like right-fit and expertise questions, to uncover client needs and personalize offers. Staying top-of-mind can also turn initial rejections into future sales.

In the latest episode of Marketing That POPs, Olivia Johnson and Michele Ringelberg host Nikki Rausch, Founder and CEO of Sales Maven, to discuss building confident and conversational sales processes. Nikki talks about guiding potential clients to a decision, helping clients overcome decision fatigue, and bridging the sales and marketing gap.

Bianca Snyder is the CEO of Society’s Plant, an artisanal hemp company. She is also the Founder of High Society Mama, a community that destigmatizes cannabis use during motherhood, and The Node Chicago, an experimental event venue. After a decade in the wine and spirits industry, Bianca transitioned to cannabis advocacy to promote plant-based wellness among mothers seeking alternatives to alcohol. In this episode…

Can cannabis and parenting co-exist without judgment? Despite growing acceptance of plant-based wellness, many moms still face stigma when using cannabis to manage stress, anxiety, or sleeplessness. As parenting expectations rise and mental health struggles persist, how can mothers explore cannabis as a viable and safe option?

Cannabis educator and marketing strategist Bianca Snyder promotes a beginner-friendly, low-dose approach to ease the fear of feeling too high from the effects of cannabis. By experimenting with proper dosing of various cannabinoids, like CBD-A and THC-A, mothers can reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and enhance intimacy. For marketers, Bianca recommends speaking to the emotional realities of motherhood to build trust, a loyal audience, and brand visibility in this heavily regulated market.

Tune in to this episode of Marketing That POPs as Michele Ringelberg and Olivia Johnson interview Bianca Snyder, CEO of Society’s Plant, about using cannabis marketing to break stigmas and support moms. Bianca discusses how product education builds trust, why authenticity drives audience growth, and how CBD-A soft gels help with stress and anxiety.

Matt Bertram is the Head of Digital Strategy at EWR Digital, a digital marketing agency for industrial, energy, and B2B companies. He is also the Chief Marketing Officer at Oil and Gas Global Network, the largest network of podcasts for the oil and gas industry. With over 15 years of experience in digital marketing, Matt has led initiatives across various industries, including energy, healthcare, and Web3. He co-hosts The Unknown Secrets of Internet Marketing, a top-rated SEO and digital strategy podcast.In this episode…

With evolving SEO algorithms, shifts in paid advertising, and the need for authentic brand storytelling, many businesses either waste marketing resources or fall behind on their strategies. How can companies adapt their marketing strategies to remain effective and competitive?

Digital marketing and SEO strategist Matt Bertram recommends embracing data-driven strategies, focusing on storytelling to build brand trust, and tailoring marketing tactics to evolving algorithms and audience behaviors. He has developed the “7-11-4” formula, which involves ensuring prospects consume seven hours of content, encounter a brand 11 times, and see it across four platforms. By prioritizing strategic alignment, continuous learning, and targeted experimentation, companies can generate impactful results.

In this episode of Marketing That POPs, Michele Ringelberg and Olivia Johnson host Matt Bertram, Head of Digital Strategy at EWR Digital, to talk about building adaptive digital marketing strategies. Matt discusses AI’s role in marketing, how to avoid common ad mistakes, and Google’s shift toward semantic search.

​Katherine Golden, RN, is the Founder, CEO, and Executive Director of Leaf411, a nonprofit organization offering free, nurse-led cannabis education and guidance. She is also the Founder and CEO of Leaf Nurse Network, a staffing agency for cannabis nurses, and a Cannabis Case Coordinator at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. With over 22 years of nursing experience, Katherine is a certified cannabis nurse educator and an advocate for healthcare equity, working to ensure safe and informed cannabis use for all.

In this episode…

Misinformation and stigma around cannabis use persist, especially in healthcare. Patients worry about addiction, fear overdosing, or assume they must feel “high” to benefit from cannabis medicine. How can education and advocacy help shift these perceptions and empower safe, effective cannabis use?

According to cannabis nurse and therapeutics expert Katherine Golden, cannabis cannot cause fatal overdoses because it doesn’t suppress vital functions like breathing, unlike opioids. To address fears of overuse or dependency, she recommends asking patients clarifying questions about their cannabis use patterns and educating them on the difference between dependence — relying on cannabis for symptom relief and addiction — compulsive use despite negative consequences. Clear communication, microdosing strategies, and building awareness around the endocannabinoid system are crucial for altering the narrative around cannabis consumption.

In today’s episode of Marketing That POPs, Olivia Johnson and Michele Ringelberg hear from Katherine Golden, the Founder, CEO, and Executive Director of Leaf411, about cannabis education in the healthcare sector. She discusses marketing challenges in a heavily regulated environment, her company’s partnership with local dispensaries, and how cannabis can integrate with traditional medical treatments.

Autumn Karcey is the Founder and CEO of Cultivo, Inc., a cannabis design consulting firm specializing in high-performance cultivation facilities. With over 20 years in the industry, she led projects across 20 US states and three countries, focusing on permit acquisition, cultivation, and environmental optimization. In 2020, Autumn launched Artemis CoPack, a 67,000-square-foot manufacturing facility producing tech-driven cannabis products. She also manages two sun-grown farms and three in-house brands, including Smugglers, Cali Girls, and Artemis Farms.

In this episode…

With public perception, inconsistent regulations, and a lack of consumer education impacting the cannabis industry, building a cultivation brand seems risky. How can you produce high-quality cannabis at scale, stand out in an oversaturated market, and maintain sustainable practices?

As a cannabis cultivation and facility design expert, Autumn Karcey emphasizes experience, innovation, and practicality. To produce high-quality cannabis at scale, brands must maintain environmental precision — from proper HVAC planning to climate-controlled drying facilities — and adopt automation to increase efficiency without sacrificing quality. Autumn also recommends leveraging authentic storytelling, maintaining hands-on control of your brand presence, and building strong industry relationships. Additionally, brands should educate consumers on dosing and terpenes, shifting the focus away from THC percentages and toward more personalized, effective experiences.

Join Michele Ringelberg and Olivia Johnson in today’s episode of Marketing That POPs as they host Autumn Karcey, the Founder and CEO of Cultivo, Inc., to discuss building a scalable and sustainable cannabis business. Autumn shares her journey from garage grower to processing facility owner, shifting cannabis trends, and her vision for future industry standards.

Kristina Chavez is the President of Blackleaf, a company specializing in SMS marketing solutions for cannabis businesses. With experience in marketing, retail operations, business development, and tech innovation, she has been instrumental in forging strategic partnerships for the company. Kristina has held various roles at Blackleaf, including Director of Operations and Administration.

In this episode…

Many businesses in the cannabis industry struggle with customer retention and compliance when using SMS marketing. With evolving regulations and increasing competition, retailers find it difficult to track the effectiveness of their messaging campaigns while ensuring they stay within legal boundaries. How can businesses leverage SMS marketing to increase engagement, drive sales, and remain compliant with industry regulations?

Cannabis industry leader Kristina Chavez recommends using data-driven insights to optimize SMS campaigns. When employing these campaigns, businesses should track customer behavior, utilize targeted promotional campaigns, and implement automated tools like abandoned cart reminders. Kristina also encourages companies to adapt strategies such as link-gated landing pages to meet evolving regulations. By focusing on personalization and segmentation, you can enhance customer loyalty and maximize marketing ROI.

In this episode of Marketing That POPs, Michele Ringelberg and Olivia Johnson sit down with Kristina Chavez, the President of Blackleaf, to discuss SMS marketing strategies in the cannabis industry. Kristina shares the impact of referral programs, how to build relationships in the cannabis industry, and examples of high-performing promotional campaigns.

Michele Ringelberg is the Owner and CEO of ThrivePOP, a digital marketing agency specializing in the cannabis, technology, and manufacturing industries. As a certified Hubspot Gold Partner, a Google Ad Certified Partner, and a WBENC-Certified woman business owner, she helps B2B and B2C businesses scale by implementing marketing tactics that generate leads and traffic. Michele also volunteers for the National Cannabis Industry Association’s (NCIA) Marketing & Advertising Committee, where she educates business owners about marketing in the cannabis industry.

Olivia Johnson is the Director of Marketing and Content Strategy at ThrivePOP. She began as a Digital Traffic Manager and has been with the company for five years. Before ThrivePOP, Olivia was a Project Coordinator at 40 VISUALS, where she managed new business development and project timelines.In this episode…

Branding can make or break a business, yet many brands aren’t consistent with their efforts. From unclear messaging and a contradictory identity to inconsistent visuals, these gaps can leave potential customers confused or disengaged. How can businesses craft a brand that stands out and builds trust and recognition?

Branding experts Olivia Johnson and Michele Ringelberg outline key steps to developing a strong brand foundation. Brands should begin with a mission statement, vision, and core values to shape the brand’s identity before diving into design. When developing your brand design, Michele and Olivia suggest creating cohesive logos, typography, and color palettes to strengthen brand recognition. Maintaining a consistent brand voice and communication is crucial, so businesses should tailor their messaging for various platforms while maintaining a unified tone.

In this episode of Marketing That POPs, join Michele Ringelberg and Olivia Johnson of ThrivePOP as they discuss building a compelling and consistent brand identity. Together, they talk about the use of taglines, how to develop your brand’s personality, and when to initiate a rebrand.

Bethany Moore is the Director of Content Strategy and Market Growth at The GMP Collective. Previously, she spent nearly ten years as Director of Communications at the National Cannabis Industry Association, where she hosted NCIA’s Cannabis Industry Voice podcast, and was a volunteer for Americans for Safe Access (ASA). With an extensive background in nonprofit activism, strategic planning, and public relations, Bethany has worked on drug policy reform and church-state separation issues. Originally from the Washington, DC, area, she relocated to Denver in 2014 and enjoys writing, performing poetry, and playing pinball.

In this episode…

The cannabis industry faces compliance challenges with marketing and advocacy efforts. Strict regulations, banking limitations, and evolving federal policies make it difficult for businesses to operate and scale simultaneously. How can cannabis companies navigate these obstacles while maintaining strong branding and consumer trust?

Cannabis industry veteran and compliance pioneer Bethany Moore emphasizes the importance of good manufacturing practices (GMP) for business longevity. Implementing GMP standards can help cannabis businesses avoid costly recalls, improve product safety, and prepare for inevitable regulatory changes. Since these regulations are complex, Bethany recommends leveraging storytelling and content creation to make these topics more accessible for cannabis professionals and consumers.

In this episode of Marketing That POPs, Michele Ringelberg and Olivia Johnson sit down with Bethany Moore, the Director of Content Strategy and Market Growth at The GMP Collective, to discuss balancing cannabis advocacy, compliance, and marketing initiatives. Bethany shares how to educate companies about cannabis regulations, the future of quality and compliance practices in the industry, and the regulatory challenges cannabis businesses face when scaling.