Branding, Hype & Marketing w/ Jarod Goenner :: Ep 272 The Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast

In this episode of The Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast, Jim McCarthy talks with Jarod Goenner from USA TODAY / USA TODAY Network about how AI, personal branding, and digital marketing are changing the game for local businesses.They cover Jarod’s journey from Navy nuclear reactor operator to media and marketing, how legacy newspapers are adapting to digital and AI, and what actually works now for home services, dealerships, and local pros trying to grow.You’ll hear real talk on:Why no one truly has AI “figured out”The shifting value of SEO vs paid searchHow to stand out with a personal brand in an AI-driven worldAuthenticity vs hype in social media and “gurus”Using BNI, referrals, and content to build trust and communityWhether you’re a small business owner, marketer, or simply curious about where AI and local media are headed, this episode will give you practical insight, a healthy dose of skepticism about the latest “hacks,” and encouragement to double down on authenticity and relationships.Follow Jarod:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarodgoenner/_____________________________________________________________________****SUBSCRIBE/RATE/FOLLOW the Mostly Middle Tennessee Business Podcast:www.mmtbp.comwww.instagram.com/mostlymiddletnbusinespodcastwww.instagram.com/jimmccarthyvosTiktok: @jimmccarthyvos    __________________________________________________________Shoutout to Matt Wilson for lending his voice to the new intro of MMTBP.Follow him and his podcast from which I may have borrowed the *mostly* concept:https://linktr.ee/mamwmw___________________________________________________________If you like Jim's Boston Scallys, click here to shop and order yours!https://www.bostonscally.com/a/refer-a-friend/redeem/mqgpwi3u0zgm89vaxnv5crzvlolevo82rvcygsn5/1668 ___________________________________________________________***You hear Jim mention it on almost every episode, ME vs. WE and how 2023 will be 1943 all over again….order “PENDULUM:How Past Generations Shape Our Present and Predict Our Future”:https://a.co/d/7oKK7Ip_________________________________________________________________The co-author of Pendulum wrote a myriad of other books and started a non-profit 21st Century Non-Traditional Business School that you should really check out: Wizard Academy - www.wizardacademy.org______________________________________________________________________Curious about podcasting? This podcast (and many others) is produced by www.itsyourshow.co